Musician Will Glover to perform free show

DOWNEY - Accomplished guitarist, vocalist and performer Will Glover will deliver a free show at Mambo Grill this Thursday, June 20, at 7 p.m. Former lead singer of surf band The Pyramids, Glover has performed with the likes of Ike and Tina Turner, Sonny and Cher, the Righteous Brothers, the Beach Boys, James Brown, the Rolling Stones and several other well-known artists, most from the oldies rock and roll era.

As a solo artist, Glover produces an engaging combination of rock and roll, R&B, surf, country and ballad -- basically any genre "other than rap," he laughs.

Glover describes his music as "light rock and roll with a country twang."

"I like to put on interactive shows that bring crowds to life," Glover says while sipping on a soft drink inside Mambo Grill.

By age 7, Glover knew he wanted to perform. He was inspired by the rock sounds of Johnny Mathis and hoped to develop vocals "better than Elvis."

"When we started the Pyramids, my mom bought me my first burnt orange, gold-plated guitar," Glover remembers. "It cost $500 in 1961. She was my biggest supporter."

It's by happenstance that Glover is performing at the Mambo Grill. He was at the downtown restaurant a few weeks ago taking in a performance by folk group Gramps With Amps. He was lured to take the microphone and belted out a couple of songs, much to the delight of the audience.

"At this stage of my career, I don't want to play small clubs anymore," Glover says. "But I'm playing here because they liked me."

It won't be Glover's first Downey concert. Many years ago he played at the long-gone White Horse Inn and Cowboy Country.

Today, Glover is putting the finishing touches on his latest album, "The Will Glover Experience." At a time when radio airwaves regurgitate the same auto-tuned, expletive-filled compositions over and over, Glover's rhythmic voice and down-home lyrics make for a satisfying music experience.

"I'm always amazed that the Lord has blessed me to take people to another world," Glover says.

********** Published: June 13, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 09