Our Music | The Will McBride Group

Imagine:
A funkier Steely Dan, a jazzier John Mayer, a more lyrical Santana, an edgier Stevie Wonder...
Now you get the picture.

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The Critics say:

"Wow, what an incredible track! The sound is absolutely captivating! The instrumentation is spot on and the vocals are packed with emotion. It’s one of those songs that grabs you from the very first second and doesn’t let go. Seriously impressive work." - Review of "Don't Stop, Be Leaving" by playlister Pablo Ladron Ordoyo
"The first thing that will stand out to you about the song "Suburban Grass Farmer" ...is the humor. But while you are enjoying this musical smirk, pay attention to the guitar solo. It has this great, Mark Knopfler kind of tone and pacing. It is smooth, but with some fun swerves thrown in. - Cris Cohen, Bands to Fans
"...the rest of the day I'm singing "Hit Song" in my head!! I heard it ONE time. How does that @#%& guy do that?" - NC radio legend Bob "the Blade"
"...he (Will McBride) calls this a "Hit Song", and it is! You will love it. It's catchy and it is his best yet". NC radio legend Kitty Kinnin
Rock groove that grabs you instantly! I’m loving the rhythmic pull and the way your voice carries the energy. The production is clean but still keeps that raw edge that’s essential for great rock music. I could definitely picture this (Hit Song) playing during a road trip or hyping up a crowd before a headline act....your sound has something very memorable. Congrats on this impeccable work. KOALA MIX Playlister (Spotify)
"I failed to mention that your cover of "Reelin' In the Years" is the best that I have heard. Well done!" - Brent Lambert, The Kitchen Mastering, Inc.
"The melodic versatility and political commentary shows shades of Steely Dan, aesthetically. The “burn it down,” rousing past the one-minute mark proves especially stirring, critiquing those “who protect their career,” above public service. “ICYMI” is a rousing success from The Will McBride Group." - Obscuresound.com's Mike Mineo's review of ICYMI
"When I heard you include "techtonic plates" in the lyrics (of "Earthquake"), I just had to listen to the rest of the song." - Wayne Nelson, Little River Band
"The slinky bass and bluesy guitar soloing show off the bands instrumental prowess, whilst Will McBride’s vocals glide effortlessly over the top." - Music Related Junk review of "Karma"
"...guitarist Will McBride makes jazzy, soul-fusion pop, where sometimes-pointed lyrics play against the music’s energetic swing. ...music (of "Tell Me I'm Wrong") offers verve through juxtaposition, a real swagger..." - INDY Week's Chris Parker's review of 'All In'
"..It’s flow has a way of keeping you hooked from the start. The delivery is on point and the reality of it all is that it’s just a top notch mark in this band’s rolodex. If you’re a fan of adult contemporary music, check out Will McBride Group right now." - Bandblurb.com's review of 'All In'

Discology (click image for spotify link)

"Trifecta" is the first full CD release (2009). It contains six original tunes, and five covers. Performed by the trio, recorded live in the studio with only a couple of minor overdubs. Trifecta's objective was to be a representation of exactly how the trio sounded live, minimal production at Will's direction. A demo, of sorts, but with many of Will's original songs that would find their way into the setlist. Featured track on this album is 'Hat Dance', which was the band's first song to get multiple plays on a commercial radio station.
The second studio CD (2012) was an EP called "3Play". Three original songs, it was originally tracked by the trio and produced by John Custer. 3Play was a more ambitious project, with the objective of crating a product with a larger sound, thicker production. Will created layered guitar parts with different textures, including a swirling Leslie effect. Also, thicker backing vocals were added, per Custer's guidance. The featured track on this one is "Mental Health Day" which became the band's first full-length "official music video".
2014 brought a third studio CD...a six-song collection called "ALL IN", containing five original tunes, and one cover. This CD marks two significant "growth" changes...1) first album with keyboards, and 2) Will took on the producer role. Having learned much from John Custer, Will wrote the songs for this one with an even bigger production in mind. Will even added a horn section on two tracks. The featured track on this one is 'Funkside', which became the band’s opening song for MANY shows.
In 2018, Will worked again with John Custer to produce two singles “Earthquake” & “Karma”. The lineup of the band was in turmoil, so Will enlisted a studio rhythm section, and a long-time collaborator on keyboards for this project. Will contributed all the guitar tracks. Will & Custer provided vocals. For 3 1/2 years, 'Earthquake' generated significant royalties, licensed by an as-yet-unknown entity, enough to fund this, and future projects, as well as legitimized Will as a relevant songwriter!
After COVID, the fourth studio CD called "None the Worse for Wear" was released in 2021. Four songs, tracked/mixed at Dark Pine Studios, a well-equipped home studio. Guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, with a guest backing vocalist, produced by Will. Will's wit & sarcasm are front & center on the vocal tunes, two of which are personal stories of his experience in the music industry. One of these is the feature track, "No For an Answer", a powerhouse funk composition, that lets each player shine. The physical CD also contains the two 2018 singles as "bonus tracks".
A six-song collection, tracked in 2023, became the fifth studio CD called "ICYMI". The band's re-imagined logo artwork, five original songs, and one cover are featured here. Guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, with a guest backing vocalist. "ICYMI" was also produced by Will. It again highlights the skills of each of the musicians. Will's wit & sarcasm returns again on a couple of songs. The feature track on this one is "Hit Song", filled with irony, collected significant endorsements from four different regional FM radio personalities as being a hit song.
The single "Tribute" (2025) was tracked in 2023 "ICYMI" sessions, but a mixed version did not make the cut. Instead, it was put on the back burner and revisited in late 2024. A version of this song was on Will's 2004 solo CD. After revisiting it 18 months later, Will decided to re-track all guitar parts, add backing vocals, and some additional percussion parts. Will produced this one as well and the single was released April 2025. This song is a tribute to the greatest Latin American guitarist of all, who is one of Will's primary influences.
Following the band's final 2025 performance (in July), the band went back to Dark Pine Studios the next day to cut the two tracks for their sixth studio recording (2025), an EP called "IDO2NS"...pronounced "I do tunes". No additional players on this one...just the four core musicians. Will's wit & sarcasm returns on these songs. Both "Don't Stop, Be Leaving" and "Suburban Grass Farmer" have been spun on radio stations in three states.