Album Notes

As a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist with AAA favorites The Ditchflowers, Ed Woltil's songs found their way into the hearts of fans all over the world - and onto many critics' "Top Ten of 2007" lists - with the release of their "Carried Away" CD last year. But as a contemporary worship leader at Anona United Methodist Church in Largo, Florida, for the past decade, Woltil has long been touching hearts in a more spiritual way.

"As Is" collects twelve of Woltil's Contemporary Christian originals, including the striking "Think About Jesus," which won First Prize in the Gospel category of the USA Songwriting Competition in 2000. These songs exhibit the same powerful melding of melody and lyricism that have distinguished Woltil's secular output with beloved pop bands such as The Ditchflowers and Mad For Electra. The St. Petersburg Times called As Is “a beautiful, rich celebration of Woltil’s relationship with Jesus Christ,” deeming it “heavenly stuff.” The Tampa Tribune praised the CD’s “irresistible, Beatlesque tunes.”

From the alternative-edged, soul-searching anthem “From Earth To Heaven” (Track 2) to the mystical groove of “Thank You For The Day” (Track 4); from the hushed intensity of “A Simple Prayer” (Track 6) to the McCartneyesque warmth of “Faith” (Track 11), this group of songs is eclectic yet unified by a glowing melodicism and an intimate, down-to-earth lyrical focus.