Selwyn Birchwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Selwyn Birchwood
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Selwyn Birchwood
Photo by Paul Natkin |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Selwyn Birchwood |
| Born | March 9, 1985 Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Genres | Blues, R&B, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Electric guitar, lap steel guitar, singer |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Alligator Records |
Selwyn Birchwood (born March 9, 1985) is an American blues musician. He is a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Tampa, Florida. In 2013, he won the International Blues Challenge with his band. This big event is held by the Blues Foundation. He also won the Albert King Guitarist of the Year award at the same competition. He beat 125 other bands from all over the world!
Selwyn plays both electric guitar and electric lap steel guitar. He is known for playing his own original songs during his live shows. Music magazines have praised him a lot. Living Blues magazine said he is "making waves" and "defying expectations." The Tampa Tribune mentioned his "power and precision" on the guitar. Rolling Stone called him a "young, powerhouse guitarist and soulful vocalist." The Washington Post described him as a "modern and original next-generation bluesman."
Contents
Selwyn Birchwood's Journey
Early Life and Musical Start
Selwyn Birchwood was born in Orlando, Florida. His father was from Tobago, and his mother was from the United Kingdom. He started playing guitar when he was 13 years old. At first, he played mostly popular music, not blues.
Then, he discovered Jimi Hendrix, who became a huge inspiration. Reading about Hendrix led Selwyn to the blues. By age 17, he was a big fan of blues music. Some of his favorite blues artists include Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Albert Collins.
When he was 18, Selwyn went to a Buddy Guy concert in Orlando. He later said it "blew me away." He felt like someone was shaking him, and he knew then that playing blues music was what he wanted to do.
Learning from a Blues Legend
At 19, Selwyn met Clarence Smith, also known as Sonny Rhodes. Sonny Rhodes was a veteran blues musician. He played both electric guitar and electric lap steel guitar. Sonny had been recording music since the 1960s.
Selwyn's guitar playing impressed Sonny Rhodes. Soon, Sonny invited Selwyn to join his touring band. Selwyn toured with Sonny on and off for four years while he was still in college. Selwyn learned a lot from Sonny. Sonny taught him about life on the road and how to lead a band. He also showed Selwyn the business side of music. Sonny Rhodes also inspired Selwyn to start playing the lap steel guitar. Sonny always told him, "Play what's in your heart," and Selwyn has never forgotten that advice.
Forming His Own Band
Selwyn continued his education and earned his MBA degree from the University of Tampa. He said he challenged himself to get the degree because "it's not good enough to just be a good player" these days.
In 2010, Selwyn moved to Tampa. There, he formed the current version of The Selwyn Birchwood Band. The band members are Donald Wright on bass, Curtis Nutall on drums, and Regi Oliver on baritone sax.
The band first competed in the International Blues Challenge in 2012. They won the competition in 2013. Bruce Iglauer, the president of Alligator Records, was a judge at the 2013 finals. He saw Selwyn's talent and knew he deserved to win. After their big win, the band started touring outside of Florida. In early 2014, they signed with a booking agency.
Touring and Albums
Since winning the International Blues Challenge, The Selwyn Birchwood Band has played at many music festivals. These include The Springing the Blues Festival, The Tampa Bay Blues Festival, and The King Biscuit Blues Festival. They have also performed on The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise.
Selwyn has opened shows for famous blues artists like Robert Cray and Buddy Guy. He has also shared the stage with Joe Louis Walker, another artist from Alligator Records. Joe Louis Walker even appeared on Selwyn's album, Don't Call No Ambulance.
On June 10, 2014, Alligator Records released Selwyn's first album with them, called Don't Call No Ambulance. Selwyn produced the album himself. Before this, he had released two CDs on his own: FL Boy (2011) and Road Worn (2013). In 2015, Don't Call No Ambulance won a Blues Music Award for 'Best New Artist Album'.
Music Albums
- 2011: FL Boy
- 2013: Road Worn
- 2014: Don't Call No Ambulance (Alligator)
- 2017: Pick Your Poison
- 2021: Living in a Burning House
- 2023: Exorcist
The Band Members
- Selwyn Birchwood – Guitar, Lap Steel, Vocals
- Regi Oliver – Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute
- Donald "Huff" Wright – Bass
- Courtney "Big Love" Girlie – Drums
- Mike Hensley - B3 Organ, Keyboards
