Album Notes

The Tilby Williams Band love acoustic music and it shows. Together they have created a unique sound that stays true to its roots, yet sounds new and cutting edge. “Ryan, Dan and I all have this great desire to continue the folk and bluegrass tradition through experimentation and fusion,” says Drew Williams. Before long, they were turning songs into unprecedented jam sessions combining rock & roll riffs, rhythmic jazz, newgrass, and simple folk melodies. Tilby says of the band, “…the funny thing is that we’ve all grown up mainly listening to different genres of music including: hip-hop, techno, rock, and even heavy metal. How we all started a newgrass band is amazing. There is so much influence from every aspect of music.”

As a duo, Ryan Tilby and Drew Williams released their debut record, Two for the Show in November 2005. Less than a year later, Drew and Ryan were back in the studio recording their 2nd release, Behind These Walls. Drawing inspiration from all their jam sessions, they decided to recreate their high energy mix in the studio. They gave themselves two days, not wanting to fall into a standard recording routine. This impulsiveness is the reason Behind These Walls is so uniquely original. Featuring many original songs and a few bluegrass standards, the album is a testament of Tilby and Williams’s talent, showmanship and diversity. Sam Payne raves, “The album breathes with spontaneity –innocence even – that while cleanly engineered, runs unhindered by the weight of heavy production. It’s a front row seat in an intimate house of two days worth of tracking- you get Tilby, and you get Williams, and that’s the meal. What a meal!”

Tilby and Williams weren’t done yet. Putting that music on stage is the real magic. Together with Dan Villella & Lacey Williams, they have created a band and sound that is truly thrilling. “We’ve spent a lot of time putting together arrangements and ideas, but you’ll always hear the innovation and improvisation that creates an awesome show,” says Dan. The Tilby Williams Band brings down the house with their live bluegrass and folk shows. Mixing old and new, they manage the impossible to entertain people of all ages. Together they have won numerous championships on all the individual bluegrass instruments. They have been a part of several national bands, performing at every major venue in Utah. Individually they have been featured on national and international television and radio. This group has music running through their veins. “These musicians are rooted in tradition, and reach beyond the conventions in a way that leaves you not knowing what to expect next. They do it with reverence, thoughtfulness, and of course, monster playing.” (Sam Payne, Star 98FM – St. George, Utah.)