Bill Wright Band

The Bill Wright Band proudly announces the release of their new CD "Outer Limits".

Following on the heels of their 2002 release, "BWB3", the band's fourth effort dazzles with the alchemy of a road-worthy, dues-paid-in-full band fronted by a songwriter whose leather-tough music can't conceal the soulful poet lurking underneath. Perhaps it's the brilliance of award-winning engineer Gregg Schnitzer,who mastered the final print, that makes this CD so vivid and powerful; Just as likely, though, it's the commitment to visceral Rock'n'Blues that sets this band so far out in front of the carbonated pop sound and retro-mania of their contemporaries.

Contact the Bill Wright Band at http://www.billwrightband.com/ for ordering information and show dates.

"The Bill Wright Band has created a sharp, potent, melodically lush new CD in "Outer Limits". This terrific new release charts a bolder path for the band: stronger, more distilled songwriting, and a tight sonic concoction of great musicianship.

"The songwriting, while occasionally bitter, and often bemused, is always direct and true. In rich, complexly-crafted tunes, the band draws on familiar forms from Rock'n'Roll, Blues, and Soul. This is no Hall of Fame Drive-by, though: the band clearly knows it's roots, and has created sharp-sounding and progressive new music from a much-respected history.

"I love the guitar-playing on this CD. Bill Wright proves that he can turn a blues lick as soulful as Clapton, and yet wind it up like Steve Lukather when the mood strikes him.

And, speaking of Luke, the monster Southern Rock shuffle "Burnin' It Up" brings to mind the energy of Boz Scaggs' hit "Breakdown Dead Ahead". It's one of my two picks for hit single from this collection.

"Geno Sirokman, co-songwriter/vocalist, turns in a totally energetic, pro performance with tight, melodic bass lines. And Carl Holz, a multifaceted, musically-complex drummer, cuts a groove as sharp as a record needle. His drumming has never sounded more funky and crisp.

"There's a touching, honest ballad, "B There 4 U" (the "prettiest" thing on the CD, featuring vibrant sax by Kerry Paige), that just begs for airplay, but my other pick for DJ's is the smoky, sinister "Runaway Train", an intense, understated classic rock groove reminiscent of the Doors at their strongest.

Mitch Drago, Tradewinds Music May 2004

Bill Wright Band - BWB 3
BWBCD03

Yes, this is the third album by Denver's Bill Wright Band, and it smacks of a veteran rock and roll band. Music that feels rooted in the heartland, with little touches of funk, blues and country make for good, solid rock and roll that still has a fresh perspective. Dirty sax blowing enhances the burbling rock of "How Long I've Begged" while "Tommy's Goin Bowlin'" has a guitar powered funk vibe. "Lover Girl" has a kind of retro road rock feel. Gutsy vocals, driving rhythms and wicked guitar licks help give the music a serious energy, allowing you to just rock out and enjoy the well-crafted tunes.

Imagine yourself driving in your old pick-up on an empty road in Colorado. It's warm and you're thirsty (no, don't take another can of beer in your fridge!). And of course, the Bill Wright Band is spitting his Blues Rock in your speakers. Because the BWB is typical of the "road blues" (you know what I mean). And believe me, BWB can keep any truck driver awake. Those three guys from Denver have been spending their time playing in the local clubs of the region for a couple of years and their reputation on stage is famous. Here is their third album. The BWB is very Rock 'n Roll and will delight all the lovers of Blues Rock. The song "Sic @ The Vic" (reference to the famous club where you can see the band very often) is a future classic. Listening to this album, you can feel that band has the hang of things. It's a pity that the album is so difficult to find.

Talk about a flashback, the Bill Wright Band out of Colorado took me back to the dawn of F.M. radio with the release 3 ! A time when the airwaves were ruled by bands like Bad Company and Lynyrd Skynyrd . The progressive blues style of the Bill Wright Band has a refreshing air to it, at the same time sounding so retro you can almost sing along and you swear you've heard this CD before.

I do have to say , in the press release they say they are all Denver Broncos fans, ahem , strike one ! That is their prerogative I guess , it has no bearing on their music. The boys here have a lot of fun with this CD as their are a few long guitar solos that I am surprised a lot of bands get rid of today . The BWB take a ZZ Top approach to their craft playing as a 3 piece powerhouse .

I think the real treat here would be to hear the band live as they have a spontaneous sound in the studio that shows through the ten tracks . All songs here are originals written by Bill Wright and the band. The members of BWB are Bill Wright - Guitars , vocals and harmonica . Geno Sirokman - 4 string bass and vocals , and Carl Holz - drums and percussion .

The tried and true methodology of the music is a good listen if you are a blues fan, but some of the long instrumental breaks may be lost on some listeners. I guess you have to want to hear a good Jam band playing and feeding off each other. I get the sound and style of the music , I am just concerned about the marketability of a band that have so few songs that transcribe themselves a little less than perfect to CD . I like this project , and do recommend it, a good mix and some great vibes here . The mixture of rock and jazz influenced Blues is a good sound, not too pushy, yet it grabs you.

Colorado’s Bill Wright Band don’t really stick with one constant sound through out their album, “BWB 3” – it is more of a mix of classic and newer rock ‘n’ roll influences combined with just enough country and blues to create a fresh result from old sounds without being in disarray. The album’s ten songs include not just the standard guitar-bass-drums set up but blend a saxophone, among other instruments, in to their fun, feel good music.

     “How Long I’ve Begged,” the album’s opening track, is a catchy mix of influences with a nice sax solo. The up tempo “Mary Jane” sounds as though it could have been a Masters of Reality song even down to the vocals that do not sound unlike Chris Goss. The band show their classic rock roots strongest on the riff strong “Tommy’s Goin’ Bowlin’” while the more familiar and traditional rock ‘n’ roll sound of “Sic @ The Vic” has just the right appeal before the slower and jazzy “It’s Colorado.”

     On “Take A Chance,” the slide guitar reminds you of The Traveling Wilburys but it is the cool instrumental, “Vertigo,” that captures your attention with its classic rock guitar sound. Slowing down a bit, the familiar sounding “Drunk And Hungover” is simple rock ‘n’ roll and doesn’t have to try too hard while the mid tempo “Lover Girl” adds more of an edge. The album’s final track, “Full Circle,” has a riff that sounds essentially identical to the opening riff of Eric Clapton’s “Layla” before going in its own direction.

     “BWB 3” is a collection of no nonsense rock tunes that could easily have you dancing or tapping along in the car. And while the songs aren’t always the most original, the band put new energy into songs and styles you might have forgotten about; making old ideas sound new by still keeping the same feeling in them.

Grade: B

-Corinne-Pluginmusic.com April 2003

Got One!!!, the second CD from Denver's Bill Wright Band, shows how a little studio experience can go a long way. For most bands working without a high-priced producer, or major label backing, the first time in a recording studio is mostly a learning experience. The second time, as the Bill Wright Band proves, usually results in a much higher quality recording. This disc holds 11 tracks of all original rock and roll music written mostly by Bill Wright and Geno Sirokman. Band members appearing on the recording are: Bill Wright - vocals, guitars, keys, harmonica, and percussion; Geno Sirokman - vocals and bass; Carl Holz - drums and percussion; Kerry Paige - saxophone; and special guest Frank Gonzales - percussion, trumpet and trombone. The insert holds the full lyrics of all the songs and some nice photos of the band members. The music stays mostly in the realm of straight ahead rock and roll, although Paige's consistently sweet saxophone work tends to elevate things up one level from the expected basic of drums, bass, guitar and vocals. This becomes apparent from the beginning of the first cut "Right Now." Wright's vocals stand out on "It's All Love" and lend a consistent feel to whole project. His guitar solos, such as the one on "Lonely Child" blaze brightly. Wright's harmonica and slide guitar work are showcased on "Wanderlust." Sirokman lends his deep voice for the lead on the cool tune "Shame." He and Holz keep the beat solid and punchy throughout the whole album. "My Guitar" is a gentle soother with plenty of sax to balance out Wrights guitar and vocals. "Atlas," the only instrumental on the collection lasts barely over a minute, demonstrating the band's understanding that vocals are an essential part of music. "Goin' Fishin'" which boats the CD's title lyric rocks along in a way that shows these guys are still just that. Regular guys, not a bunch of pretentious art-fags, or too-cool-for-you hipsters. "Welcome To The Moosehead Lounge" comes as close to lounge music as these guys can take a rock song. "Stylin'," the last cut on the disk is a flat out funky dance tune sure to get anyone groovin'. Overall, Got One!!!, rocks strong and straight ahead with plenty of solid rock and roll craftsmanship but not too much fancy crap or overblown production gimmicks. Listen for yourself.

The Bill Wright Band is a band with many voices. They are funk; they are southern rock; they are jazzy poets; and they exude homestyle mountain-band tunes. We were really impressed with the guitar, bass guitar; and the horn section! They’re all very talented musicians. We didn’t forget the drummer – we know that Ye Olde Stick-Keeper keeps the band together – and BWB’s drummer/percussionist does this flawlessly. Maybe a grittier voice a la Stevie Ray or The Fabulous Thunderbirds would suit this homey music better? We commend BWB on their unapproached and nonparell blending of genre. At times, the horn section reminded us of that once-phat Denver band – The Fabulous Boogienauts (See track 11 – Stylin’). The bassist is unhampered, slappy yet intricate; and does he do back-up vocals too? Even though the packaging of mountains and fishing motifs made us expect another Grateful Dead wanna-be band, we were happy to note they aren’t. We love(d) the Dead too, but for tie-dye crying, let Jerry rest in peace already! The songs are well-established; in that the refrains, solos and bridges are expert in execution. This may be a jumbled review, but as you listen to this CD you’ll see why we’re appearing to review like a friendly neighborhood schizoid. We had to keep checking to see if there was a different CD in the PC player. With a bit more professional representation, this band could do very well for themselves. Of course, not taking themselves too seriously is a very appealing aspect of this band. To check out the band more in detail, please head to www.billwrightband.com.