Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Nashville-based keyboardist Reese Wynans for more than half a century has been the engine-room behind America’s greatest roots music. Wynan’s has been a member of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble and progressive rock band Captain Beyond.
Wynans grew up in Sarasota, Florida and began taking piano lessons at an early age. Wynans was a member of the Second Coming, which, from November 1968 to March 1969 included two future Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts and bassist Berry Oakley. Wynans was involved in the initial jam session with Duane Allman, Betts, Oakley, Butch Trucks and Jaimoe that led to the formation of the Allman Brothers. Wynans was eased aside in favor of vocalist Gregg Allman, as founder Duane Allman did not want two keyboardists, two guitarists and two drummers all in the same band.
In 1973 Wynans played with Captain Beyond appearing on their album Sufficiently Breathless but quit after one show citing the band’s disorganization.
In 1985 Wynans joined Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble playing keyboards on the Soul to Soul and In Step albums. Wynans performed with the group until Vaughan’s death in 1990.
In 1992 Wynans moved to Nashville, Tennessee and played keyboards for a number of country artists including Brooks & Dunn, Trisha Yearwood, Hank Williams Jr. and others. Wynans also played for blues artists Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and others.
In 2015 Wynans was inducted into the Musician’s Hall of Fame, Austin City Limits and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble.
Since 2015 Wynans performs as the touring keyboard player for blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa.
In 2019 Wynans released his first-ever solo album the Bonamassa produced Sweet Release, a collection of songs honoring blues-rock legends. The album opens with Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Crossfire” performed with Double Trouble bassist and drummer Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton, guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd and vocal icon Sam Moore of Sam & Dave. Wynans’ covers Vaughan’s “Riviera Paradise” with both Kenny Wayne and Bonamassa playing guitar. The album closes with Wynans alone at the piano on a solo take on the Beatles classic “Blackbird.”
Reference – https://shop.jbonamassa.com/products/reese-wynans-and-friends-sweet-release-cd
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reese_Wynans
Reese Wynans discography
Sweet Release (2019)
Sacramento’s K-ZAP 93.3 FM plays Reese Wynans. All part of 50 years of Rock, Blues and More, 24-7 on our station’s stream at K-ZAP.ORG/LISTEN/
Check out Reese Wynans and Friends performing “Crossfire.”