TYRONE WELLS: Close: Live At McClain's

Tyrone Wells

Close: Live At McClain's

© 2005 Tyrone Wells Music (656317583127)

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a live album. half with band. half just tyrone and his guitar. a close, honest, intimate look at tyrone wells and his art.

tracks

1 Need
2 Baby Don't You Change
3 Happy As the Sun
4 Jealous Man
5 Fly
6 Tyrone Yodels
7 Better Off Without You
8 Aint No Sunshine
9 Hate Song
10 No Good Without You
11 Sea Breeze
12 Tyrone Talks
13 When All Is Said and Done

notes

Growing up a skinny preacher’s kid in Spokane, Washington, Tyrone Wells was discouraged from listening to pop music and only exposed to gospel. Little did he know a decade later, the roots of soul would become a key element of his passionate, irresistible and utterly unique songs. Combining pop, soul, and rock, Tyrone sings about true love, war and heartbreak with equal power and sincerity, coming across as a voice for a generation that’s both idealistic and confused.

In his five years on the music scene as a singer-songwriter, he has evolved in an honest and organic manner, first scrambling for gigs and selling albums from the trunk of his car to eventually packing out The House of Blues and having his songs featured prominently on television programs. Wells’ major label debut Hold On is a fresh release filled with new promises. The first single from the record “What Are We Fighting For?” exemplifies his ability to mingle different styles into a seamless composition. A pulsing rocker fueled by a love for R&B, the song blends organic acoustic guitar, choir vocals and chiming organ into a complete array of sound. Lyrically, “What Are We Fighting For?” is just as multifaceted, addressing subjects like the difficulty of relationship, racial reconciliation and the futility of war.

“I was watching the news, and was just overwhelmed with all the death,” explains Wells. “And as I wrote the song, it started to take on its own life. I was thinking about people, communication and loving each other and then the rest of it just came out. I think it raises some important questions and I think there’s not enough of that going on.”

While “What Are We Fighting For?” raises poignant questions, it isn’t at all pessimistic, drawing inspiration in the bridge from Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech to convey a message of hope and love: “I have a dream/One day we’ll see/All men be free/I still believe.”

Other songs on the album are equally powerful, but in different ways. “Dream Like New York,” for example, is a sun-drenched ballad full of pop splendor and romantic yearning, combining conventional pop instrumentation with strings and piano. Featuring timeless lines like “Dream like New York, as high as the skyline/Aim for the stars, above those city lights,” the track has already been embraced for its regional significance and played during New York Mets games in Shea Stadium. In addition, it was featured in “Everyone’s Hero” (an animated film about legendary New York Yankee, Babe Ruth) and the trailers of the “50 Greatest Moments at Madison Square Garden” documentary.

Born the youngest of five children – and the only son – Tyrone grew up performing in the shadows of sisters who were accomplished. Belying his present on-stage ease, he recalls that paralyzing stage fright almost kept him out of the spotlight. “I knew I had a lot of fear in my eyes. I just kept getting up, embarrassing myself and doing it again, then one day it all came together.”

While Wells wrote songs as early as junior high and high school, he didn’t take the craft seriously until he attended college in Southern California. As an emerging singer/songwriter Tyrone needed a stage. He explains, “I went down to the local coffeehouse – McClain’s – and I asked the owner, ‘Would you give me a test run and let me play every Thursday for a month?’” The one-month gig turned into a three-year run. “Getting up in front of a crowd, winning the audience, trying new songs, that, more than anything in my career, has been the best thing I did.” On-stage, Tyrone began introducing other components – even yodeling -- into his show. “Beyond being a singer/songwriter,” he avows. “I want to be a storyteller. When I feel like I’ve communicated something important to someone in the audience, that’s when I feel the magic.”

By the time he stopped playing McClain’s, the room was maxed out every week and crowds were spilling out of the doors of the venue and listening from outside. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is really working,’” Wells says. “The fact that it sustained itself and grew, and I had to go to a bigger room was great. I was selling a lot of records independently by doing things in a really grass roots fashion. I could see the growth and that was really exciting to me.”

Wells recorded his first studio album Snapshot, and then followed with Close: Live at McClain’s in 2005. He started working on Hold On in late 2005, and culled the songs from material he had written over the prior two years. Unlike his earlier records, which were primarily acoustic, Hold On is a full band album. Produced by Chris Karn, the record proves that Wells is just as capable of turning up the amps and rocking out as he is of soothing audiences with bittersweet lullabies.

“I was in such a great space when I wrote the record,” Wells says. “I was just going for it, and trying to write the best songs I could and I got totally lost in the process. I had just met my wife, I was making a living doing music and there was nobody telling me what to do.”

By early 2006, Wells was regularly selling out Los Angeles clubs like the House of Blues, The Viper Room, Troubadour and The El Rey Theatre and people in the music business were taking notice. Now signed to Universal Republic Records, Tyrone is touring full-time and his infectious, soulful voice and undeniable songs are being introduced to people all over the country. Wells said, "Whether I'm in a coffee-shop down the street or on a national tour, I'm grateful to be doing what I love."

reviews

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  • amazing
    author: Kate

    The CD is awesome. I listen to it all the time. It's cool because it's from a live performance.

  • amazing
    author: denis

    My english is not so good so I'll keep it short. This piece of CD is just amazing. One of the best I heart in the last years. The live feeling comes so close to the listener. I'm just flashed. Tyrone Wells, you ROCK. It would be nice to see you in Germany in the next time.

  • the best and heart warming music i have herd
    author: cynthia johnson

    all i can say is wow!!! beautful. i listend to the cd one time and fell completley in love with the song sea breazee. just the feeling alone makes you want to cry or even smile.when you close your eyes and listen it take you to a peacful place, a place where you should always be..the words are so true and you can relate to every song with a personal experiance. thank you for making some real, soulful, touching, heart warming, and amazing music. i never had a favorite artist before and now i have found what i was missing out on..i have become a huge fan now, just by listing one time.. thank you cynthia johnson

  • The greatest artist ever!!!!!!!

    I just saw Tyrone play for the second time, bought his CD and got a picture and autograph. This guy has got to be the greatest Christian artist. His work is amazing and he truly is genuine and a great all-around guy. You rock Tyrone!

  • there are no words to describe how awesome Tyrone is
    author: camellia

    I've seen Tyrone play two times at the Plush cafe and the first time I saw him play I was blown away. This cd captures everything I heard the first time I saw him live. Awesome

  • Not just music...
    author: Alli

    This CD is addicting! unlike the others, tyrone's halarious personality shines through in between songs when he addresses the audience. This CD changed my life ;) BUY IT NOW!

  • I love it. This guy can SING.
    author: Christa

    I love it. This guy can SING.

  • Amazing
    author: Sidney

    Good cd, has great rythm and melody. catchy songs, with a lot of emotion.

  • Fantastic!
    author: Bianca

    Highly recommended...

  • author: Linda

    Great from the heart songs with personality and humor. I appreciate that God is aknowledged and I will certainly buy more of his cd-s in the future, God Bless

  • best tyrone wells cd yet!
    author: katie pretzel

    truly a gifted musician who sings with his whole heart and soul. he sings a variety of songs with a true authentic passion. I'd recommend his cd to anyone!

  • Most Amazing Performer Ever
    author: Kirsten Mitchell

    I have been listening to and watching Tyrone for almost 2 years now and I haven't been let down yet. This is my favorite CD of his...this live CD is as good as any normally recorded CD. Who ever knew that a tall skinny white guy could sound incredible. This guy is talented and definitely my favorite.

  • Extremely AWESOME! Loved it
    author: Dan M

    Tyrone does it again and delivers a master piece. Gives you the sense your there during the show. His voice was off the hook, guitar and band flowed jus' wonderfully, a great cd.

  • This CD is FANTASTIC!
    author: Becca -Biggest Fan!

    This CD is powerful! His voice is amazing, it captures you deeply. I recommend it full out!! I love you Tyrone! Keep it up!

  • Tyrone Wells is awesome
    author: Amanda

    Tyrone came to my school in covina, and he is AWESOME!! he is so funny, he made everyone laugh. he lyrics are so meaningful and so poetic. he is truly a wonderful artist. i hope he comes back to my school

  • AMAZING SINGER/MUSICIAN
    author: Lisa

    I saw tyrone at APU and the House of Blues in Aneheim. He is so awesome and can rock out or be real chill. He has an amazing talent and i show all my friends!

  • great listening as always
    author: Steve Silvas

    Great vocals and guitar as always. Tyrone really puts soul into his words. Pretty decent live CD. Levels are pretty even throughout with very little echo. Beautiful songs.

  • heard him sing live at irvine spectrum. AMAZING SINGER !
    author: lee

    if you think his live cd rocks. you have to hear him live.. he's really really talented.

  • Great listening!
    author: S & L

    We listened to this CD in the car for about 5 days straight after receiving it. Our ages are 14 and Mid 40's, and we both love this music. We highly recommend this and any other CD by Tyrone Wells to anyone...young or "old"!

  • Eclectic
    author: Angela

    Tyrone not only has a way with words, but his guitar as well! A cd that is priceless!!

  • Buy this CD!
    author: Samantha

    This is a great CD from start to end, it really gives you a feel of how his shows are. Go see this man live, he'll rock your world! The highlights for me are "Baby Don't Change" and "Need", Jay Nash plays guitar on here also, the two of them together is a great combo.

  • perfect
    author: Leesha

    This CD is fantastic. My favorite of all Tyrone's stuff--though I love them ALL. I listen to it all the time--even my 3-year-old loves Live! Each song invokes emotion in me and I just can't stop listening to it.

  • His CD is awesome, it's addicting!
    author: Anna

    This CD is awesome, I listen to it all the time because the songs are addicting. If you listen to the lyrics, they tell a story and it draws you in. Excellent!

  • Amazing!!!!
    author: Kristen

    I saw him open at the Jars of Clay concert and was wowed. My friends and I had to see him at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney because he was so amazing. It was worth sitting through the first two bands to see the live versions of the songs...just like the cd! Unfortunitly he didn't yodle...we were so disapointed. We still love him though!!!

  • It brings me to tears lol
    author: Alexandria

    All I have to say is your amazing... Im in love lol

  • i havent taken it out of my CD played since i got it!
    author: ashley

    oh tyrone. this guy is amazing. I saw him open up for jars of clay and he was awesome and after the show he was hanging around the merchandise table so i picked up a cd of his to buy and it happend to be this one, just for him to sign, but i didnt expect to like it nearly as much as i did because before that night, i had neverr even heard of tyrone wells, but on the way home from the concert, i put that CD in my car stereo and i LOVED it. i listen to it everyday in my car now. He is AMAZING and i cant wait to see him live again soon.

  • A+, incredible, soulful down to earth music, for everyone
    author: Abbie

    This CD is AWESOME! It the the BEST Tyrone CD since is showcases him at his best, live on his guitar. Unlike many artists, he sounds the best live, so this CD captures the best sound for some all-time favorite songs. Everyone you know will love this CD, it transcends genre.

  • Amazing talent!!!
    author: Crystal

    Tyrone Wells needs to be broadcast throughout the country (and world for that matter!) so he can start winning the Grammy's and all the other awards he deserves! This guy has got pure, raw talent that is hard to find these days. Can't wait to get his next cd! =)

  • A great soul searching album
    author: Morgan Wise

    All of the songs on this CD are perfect for any mood. The music is soulful and bluesy. I had preveousley only heard a few songs off of this Cd, but when i recieved it i discovered every song was amazing.

  • I'm in love
    author: Mariesha

    This was the best live cd that I think I have ever heard. I have never seen Tyrone live, I live in Texas and caught him playing "fly" on tv one morning. I got on the computer that afternoon and ordered all of his cds and love all of them. His music moves through your soul and I have yet to find anything else like it!!

  • This is Tyrone at his best... live...AWESOME
    author: Donelle

    Tyrone has always been an awesome performer and I think that this is his best CD yet...LIVE. You don't want to miss it. He is an awesome storyteller through his music... When I listen to the CD, I feel like I am there watching his show.

  • Awesome!!!!!
    author: Ashley Knight

    Tyrone is awesome anyway, but this cd is sooo great. I listen to it everyday!! Im even getting my husband into it and his family. If you are reading this and dont own the cd, I think you better go out and get this great, great cd that you will never get tired of. :)

  • Fantastic
    author: Tyrone Wells

    This CD is really awesome. I think I listened to the CD at least 10x the first week I had it! I also got 3 other friends interested in him and they are going to buy the album as well.

  • Amazing!!
    author: Kate

    This CD is awesome! All of Tyrone's stuff is so great! I can't wait to get his next CD!

  • Spectaculous
    author: mike valkosky

    this cd is awesome. he is really good live so i bought the cd and wasn't disappointed. i saw tyrone for the first time at ucla's spring sing (i go to ucla) and he is the man. aight i am out.

  • so meaningful
    author: j trigg

    his lyrics are so deep and meaningful and honest. they say exactly how many of us feel with certain things and situations. seabreeze is my personal favorite. i could listen to his songs forever and not get sick of them. tyrone is the MAN!

  • Amy's review...cd is awesome!!
    author: Amy Dennis

    This cd is awesome! i wouldn't have been able to believe it was live, but i recently saw him at McClains and he's just as good!! i love the song "need" and tyrone is an impressive yodeler (it actually sounds really cool!)the whole cd is great and definitly worth buying!

  • Some McClains for those too far away!
    author: Andrew

    Living in South Pasadena, then Santa Barbara, and now Simi Valley, McClains is a bit out of reach. But I do remember heading down as much as possible after classes at UCLA on Thursdays (Insane, but that's how good Tyrone is! Great Sandwiches there too.) This CD brings it all back and I'm thrilled with the selections Tyrone made for it. "Need" has been stuck in my head since the CD Baby crew lit their candles, said their prayers, and shipped it to me.

  • Fabulous as always!
    author: Laura

    I love this CD! Thursday nights at McClains were such a part of my college experience and it's so exciting to have those memories on a CD. I truly enjoy listening to it. It hasn't left my CD player since I received it!

  • awesome! just like being there live ...
    author: claire

    I've been so bummed that I keep missing tyrone's shows since summer ... I spent allll my thursday @ mclains last summer listening to him!! the quality is really good and i think this CD finally gives him the justice his voice deserve .... no tacky backround singers! And, he yoddles, that's just awesome. i love love love this cd ... if you've seen him live, you'll love it too!!

  • Fantastic
    author: Christine

    This CD is nothing short of amazing. I remember sitting in Mc'Clains back in the fall and wishing how I had some way to relive the experience. This CD did a wonderful job of capturing the experience people at a live performance go through. From the deep message of "Fly" to the capturing melody of need, this CD is great.

  • amazing
    author: michelle

    the CD is amazing. I love that it is a live version because Tyrone sounds the best live. It always makes me laugh when I listen to the CD and hear him talk. He wants to relate to his audience on the same level, not sing down to them. It's all so inspiring.

  • Amazing, as always
    author: Lisa McKinney

    Wow, I love love love this CD. From the very first beats of 'Need', I was caught up in the beauty of the music. I actually felt like I was there at McClain's listening to him sing. I love all the songs, but 'Jealous Man' made my hair stand up... Tyrone has a way of telling beautiful, musical stories--rather unusual in today's music. This album made me realize we need to help him get out and tour. America needs to hear this man sing!

  • Magical voice, amazing performance, down home attitude.
    author: Walid Azami - Nineteen76.com

    I ran into Tyrone a couple summers ago. I recall stopping my friend mid-sentence to see where that voice came from. What I heard was amazing and I knew then that I was going to direct a video for him. A year and a half later we started our filming in the same place I met him, McClain's Coffeehouse. This album is pure emotions and I have not known anyone to not love it. Try it, try the upcoming DVD of the same show and see what everyone is talking about. It's brilliant.

  • just amazing!!!
    author: amanda roberts

    once again, tyrone has done it!! he's just so amazing in person..i consider tyrone one of my friends! hes gonna be huge!! just huge!!

  • Tyrone Wells is an awesome musician.
    author: Laurel

    Yet again, Tyrone blows me away. This CD has his funnest songs that you can hear any time at McClain's. I love to listen to Tyrones music all the time and love this CD even more.

  • author: Shereen

    Tyrone has officially accomplished, through this acoustic album, the invoking of "the longing" he speaks of. This album is so good it almost hurts to listen to, because it very much captures the raw vulnerability we as a human race try so very hard to conceal. It's a liberating experience.

  • potent
    author: someone

    Warm, sweet and intoxicating. Makes you want to sit still and listen. Makes you want to believe that everything is as it should be. Makes you believe there are men with big hearts who want deep love. Makes your heart hurt a bit because you're not sure it's true...but you really want it to be.

  • Tyrone is AMAZING!!!
    author: Heather Janssen

    This is Tyrone's most inovative CD yet. He captures human emotions: longing, passion, love, anger, uncertainty, with a sensitivity and honesty that is unique to his music. He is a soulful, folksy, exciting performer. This CD captures the intimacy and intensity of his live performances perfectly. Tyrone is AMAZING!!!!

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