Album Notes

Hello, my name is Bill Ferrell and I'm hoping you'll take a second to read this and check out my music. I'm not sure what you're looking for in the music that you buy, but my music is honest and straight from the heart. Here is a review of my CD from Altoona, Pa's Classic Rock station Q94 FM.

BILL FERRELL – BIKER’S PRAYER (no label) Bill Ferrell has been making music on area stages for 20 years, with such groups as The Smoke Run Band, the One Less Tear Band, and presently, local classic rockers Kyx. Ferrell’s first solo album, Biker’s Prayer, introduces us to his world, both musically and personally. The album offers an uplifting blend of heartland-styled rock, country and folk; as Ferrell sings and plays guitar, often supported by his Kyx bandmates; keyboardist Terry Wills, rhythm guitarists Jim Walstrom and Bill Moyer, bassist Glenn Walstrom and drummer Chris Sherkel. Ferrell’s love of motorcycles and riding is quickly obvious on the album’s opening title track, “Biker’s Prayer,” a celebration of the near-spiritual experience of riding on the open road. (An acoustic version of the song ends the album.) The country-flavored “883” celebrates the cherished machine Ferrell carries out his riding adventures on, a Harley-Davidson Sportster 883. Several songs use motorcycle-riding metaphor to convey other messages; the strong and sturdy “Spinnin’ My Wheels,” for example, is a commentary about career greed and its human cost. “Let There Be Love” is a song of hope about life’s ride, while “Wild Ride” is a father’s ode to his son. Elsewhere on the album, “Trudy’s Song” is a tender celebration of love through the four seasons; “Borrowed Time” offers a powerful message about weathering life’s burdens; the folksy “Excaliber” is Ferrell’s observation about our troubled world; and the acoustic “Dance Floor” studies Saturday night bar gigs and soap operas. Ferrell’s voice is confident and sturdy, and his performance is sincere and heartfelt. Recorded at Altoona’s Data Music Services, the album sounds consistent, clean and smooth. The full band arrangements are deep and powerful, achieving an even balance and comfortable alliance between guitars and keys. The acoustic-geared numbers benefit from simpler, stripped-down arrangements, allowing Ferrell’s voice and guitar to fully shine. Ultimately, Biker’s Prayer is good-sounding album that should give listeners a stronger appreciation of Bill Ferrell’s singing and songwriting talents, and the scope of what he brings to the table in Kyx. (The CD can be obtained by visiting Bill Ferrell’s website, www.bikersprayer.com.)