Customer Reviews

At The Water's Edge

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I know Bill, his wife Kathy and his brother Fred, from high school and have always been interested in Bill's music. When I heard that the band was doing a live performance, I knew I must go see it. I was caught off guard by the Christian beliefs that are very apparent in the lyrics and yet I welcomed the message whole-heartedly. I was moved by the music immediately and could not stop my foot from tapping, my hands from clapping, or somehow moving to the music. The songs are motivational and insprirational, not only in their lyrics but also in the music. The harmonies and rhythms are a wonderful combination of many different styles of music that have been successfully blended together to create a unique and awsome collection of songs. I bought the CD after the first half of the show, without even hearing all the songs, and now I listen to it almost every day. The lyrics speak to me and situations that occur in my life, while the music is up-lifting and yet soothing. Listening to 'At the Water's Edge' always improves my mood and it has become one of the favorite CDs in my collection. I can hardly wait for the next release. I am so happy for Bill, and everyone involved in the band, that the years of hard work have paid off with such extraordinary results!

That is the best way to describe the music of the Bill Welch Band. Having heard one of their songs being played on a local jazz/blues station I was smart enough to go and hear them in concert. I had no idea that they were going to play music with a heavy emphasis on their Christian beliefs. As a Unitarian that might have kept me away. All I can say is that I was blown away by their intense talent and spirit. They took me totally by surprise and I am now a huge fan. Their cd is top notch and would be a super addition to anyone's collection.

I have been waiting 3+ years for this CD to be released and it has been worth the wait. When asked to pick a favorite it is very hard because most of them are my favorites but I do have to admit there are few that I just can't get enough of. 'Here you are again with me' - the addition of strings to this song, that I have heard live many times, has completed a love song that was already incredible. 'I will wait for you' reminds of the times I need to just hang in there and wait for the good parts of life, plus I get to hear some great harmony from the bass guy, Gene. 'All I Pray' is an inspiration for all of us who are hoping this world will be a better place for our kids. Finally, 'At the Water's Edge' simply shows Bill's great ability to put the words of God to music. It is a joy to be able to experience Bill & Friends in concert. They are energetic and just get better and better. I just hope I don't have to wait another 3+ years for the next CD.

The Bill Welch Band's Debut CD is a great compliment to anyone's CD collection. One addition that I cannot personally stop listening to. In fact, I've already shared this with several friends and co-workers who have asked where they can get a copy.

Lead by Bill Welch's soulful lyrics the music classical, jazz, rock, soul, country, latin, gospel and folk music. This is no easy task. Bill and the band have clearly found a way to make this sound come naturally, yet remain true to the music.

The only downside is that I lend this out so much I have to buy another copy for myself to keep.

Generally, I shy away from "Christian" pop music, but I make an exception for the Bill Welch Band (I happen to know the guys, and have opened for a show of theirs). While the music of many Christian pop groups sounds forced and inauthentic to me, these guys' work is an undiluted look at who they are and what they believe. They also take a lot of time and care to make sure that the music they play is pure, is direct, and holds together. The band's members have some hard experience in the trenches of jazz, classical, blues, latin, R&B, and world music, and it really shows.

However, the best experience of their music is a live show.

This would be a welcome addition to many music fans' collections. It seems to span several different categories, including jazz and easy-listening rock without ever being confined to one. A sorely-needed, positive message is the only common thread.

The music encompasses many different styles, yet it has a top-notch "feel" in all areas. The band honors Bill's music and lyrics well, the production is perfect, and Bill tops it off with soulful, heartfelt vocals. It's all good.

I'm looking forward to future releases.

Let me explain the title of this review, since it probably has quite a few people out there scratching their heads. I am a Fairport High School Alumnus, and I played in the FHS Jazz bands under the direction of Mr. Bill "T" Tiberio, prominantly featured on the Bill Welch Band's CD. That, incidentally, is how I found out about and bought the CD. About the CD: I can sum it up in only a few words: Best coupla bucks I ever spent. The Bill Welch Band has a fantastic sound. The whole thing is clean, beautiful, and has some great music (believe me, I'm a music major!). Not to mention the message is positive, which can be tough to find these days. And, as is customary whenever these guys break out the instruments, you can tell they really know their stuff. I'm seriously looking forward to the next release! Hope all of you out there enjoy this as much as I did.

I found out about this CD through my boyfriend who was a student of one of the band members. I heard the CD with him for the first time and it was just great! All the songs have a unique style and the musicianship from all the band members is wonderful. I hope they come out with a new one soon, because I can't wait to hear it! Why don't you guys come to Ithaca to do a concert? :)

I bought this CD because I knew one member of this band from our high school days, yet had no idea what I would find. When I listened to the CD I was surprised and pleased with what I heard. The songs are a mosiac of many musical influences. The songs are rich, and speak to the soul, deep with meaning and purpose. The music plays easy and with comfort, like reading a good book in front of a warm fire on a cold winter night. I highly recommend this CD.