“Often times the success of music is dictated by it’s commercial value, and not the art and creation of the music. Soul music has been a vital part of my life so it’s important that my soul gives back to soul music”

Willy Jordan: The Voice of Bay Area Soul

Willy Jordan Jr. is a Grammy-nominated American vocalist, drummer, and percussionist from California. Raised on gospel and soul music, he became one of the most respected session musicians on the West Coast scene, performing alongside legends like Carlos Santana and Charlie Musselwhite. His career took off in the mid-1990s when he toured globally with the mythical John Lee Hooker. Later, as a member of Elvin Bishop's Big Fun Trio, his vocals and cajon playing earned him two Grammy Award nominations for Best Traditional Blues Album. In 2022, Jordan became the official frontman and lead vocalist of the 12-piece Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, succeeding late legends Frank Bey and Wee Willie Walker. With his gritty, smooth voice and dynamic stage presence, he revitalized the ensemble, leading them to the release of the acclaimed albums What Are You Waiting For? (2022) and What Can We Do? (2024).

(Willy Jordan Jr. / Photo by Bill Shoemaker)

Based out of San Francisco, California The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, was founded in 2007, by guitarist/songwriter Anthony Paule. Inspired by authentic Soul and Blues recordings of the ‘60s and ‘70s, this dramatic horn driven extravagant act took shape. Their new release, and the first on the prestigious Nola Blue Record label. “What Can We Do?” (2026) consists of 12 tracks (CD) and 11 tracks (vinyl LP) of which all but one are brand new original compositions. The APSO returned to their favourite recording studio, 25th Street Recording in Oakland, CA. As always, this album was recorded live in the studio with four piece horns section, lead vocals, and rhythm section playing together!

Interview by Michael Limnios       Special Thanks: Christine Vitale & Sallie Bengtson

How has music influenced your view of the world?

Daily my view of the world changes. There is a lot going on now, and everything is changing. My music helps me celebrate, or cope with those changes.

What keeps a musician passionate over the years?

Working alongside other professionals who are absolutely passionate about what they’re doing.

You’ve worked in many different settings—from clubs and studios to open-air festivals and theaters. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

I don’t think it’s a question of navigating. I think it’s about accepting there are different arenas. I assess what’s needed from me musically, then I go ahead and express my musical ideas, always being my authentic self.

Why do you think the San Francisco blues and soul scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

I am a Bay Area Native, so I am aware of, I am a part of this scene my whole life. Some great genres of music have been born and have taken root in the San Francisco Bay Area. Everything from the psychedelic Summer Of Love, to Rap and Hip-Hop, it all started right here in The Bay Area. There have been major ups and downs, but I am grateful a scene exists at all.

How did you first hook up with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra?

I was playing with Elvin Bishop, on The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, when I met Christine Vitale. I told her how much I liked the song she wrote, “After A While”, and asked if she could write one like that for me. She said she didn’t know if she had another one like that, and asked if I do any songwriting. I told her of this great line I had, “You Ain’t Old ’Til You Cold”. She suggested we get together and turn it into a song, so she invited me to a songwriting session with her, Anthony Paule, and Larry Batiste. Hence the birth of “You Ain’t Old ’Til You Cold”. We got along famously, the chemistry was there. It just so happened they were looking for a lead singer, so they asked me to work with them. Of course I said “yes”, and we now have two albums we recorded together. Proof it was the right thing to do!

“Daily my view of the world changes. There is a lot going on now, and everything is changing. My music helps me celebrate, or cope with those changes.” (Willy Jordan & Anthony Paule / Photo by Bruce Fram)

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

I think the process for preparing to perform or record, begins with honest and fun conversations around the kitchen table. We discuss the songs and their arrangements, what’s great, and what fixes need to be made. It’s this step that in turn gives the fuel to be able to create ideas. Music is being created, great art is being created, and that makes it easy to create, and live with yourself and with great art. Nothing is taken for granted, it’s all a gift.

Are there any specific memories or highlights from your career that you would like to tell us about?

I’ve played with many great musicians, John Lee Hooker, Joe Louis Walker, James Cotton, Luther Tucker and more. Every gig was a highlight for me, and I learned something from each of them. However, Elvin Bishop has been one of my mentors for what seems like forever. He asked me to join Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio, then we were nominated for two Grammy Awards. They were definitely highlights!

What do you miss most from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of the genre?

I miss nothing about past music. What I’ve loved from the past, I bring withme to the present. I have no fears for the future of the genre. There are some outstanding young guns out there today who are amazing. They’re breaking molds.

What do you see as the socio-cultural impact of music?

As a black man in this country, I have seen and I am in the socio-cultural impact of my music.

How do you want your music to affect people?

I want people to be able to relate to my music and remember it.

How can we bring the classic blues and soul of the past into the future?

It’s my mission to make sure Soul Music will never be forgotten.

Why is it crucial that we preserve and spread this music?

Often times the success of music is dictated by it’s commercial value, and not the art and creation of the music. Soul music has been a vital part of my life so it’s important that my soul gives back to soul music.

The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra - Home

(Photo: Willy Jordan & Anthony Paule of Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra)