Bill Wren Frank Ralls Music
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Bill Wren Frank Ralls Music

Valley Mills, Texas, United States | SELF

Valley Mills, Texas, United States | SELF
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"Ponder Dust Publishing announces the release of Journey Around the Sun: A Mayan Odyssey"

PRESS RELEASE


from the acclaimed music duo of Bill Wren and Frank Ralls

When one ponders song-writing teams, one usually gravitates to pop, rock, theatre, or movies. The notion of two artists collaborating to write and arrange in the new age, world fusion, or contemporary instrumental genres would not spring to mind. However, with the release of Journey Around the Sun, (the pair’s second joint effort) Bill Wren and Frank Ralls are making a name for themselves with their unique approach to crafting outstanding cross-genre instrumental music.
The pair came together through the serendipitous nature of an Internet search. Wren had a background in playing rock bands from the ‘60s through the ‘90s, but by 2000, he realized that composing instrumental music was his true calling. After recording some demos, he stumbled upon Ralls via a third party website and the ball started rolling. The two discovered rather quickly that they were of like mind when it came to their musical visions as well as their insistence on a high level of recording quality. While Wren originally sought Ralls solely as a producer in 2007, it soon became apparent that Ralls’ musical abilities as a performer, arranger, and composer, would be a perfect fit with Wren’s abundant musical creativity and artistic inspiration. By this time, Wren already had preliminary musical “sketches” and demos of many of the tracks which would eventually wind up on their debut recording, One Day in a Life (2008), as well as Journey Around the Sun. When Ralls first heard the song “Old Friend” (from One Day in a Life), his reaction was immediate. “[It] reminded me a lot of the mood and the qualities of new age music that had me hooked early on in my life when I started listening to [the genre].”
Through their unique collaborative process, which involves Wren’s initial compositions, Ralls’ input and suggestions, as well as both of them consulting in the final music’s arrangements, the pair fine-tuned the recording of One Day in a Life and the results were far beyond their expectations. The album went to number one on new age radio programs across the US and was picked up by Sirius XM satellite radio. Many songs won individual awards, and noted new age music reviewer Bill Binkelman compared the duo’s music to David Arkenstone’s Sketches from an American Journey, and wrote, “Come along as Wren, Ralls, and company take you on a delightful and charming musical voyage.”
After One Day in a Life, it was time to explore a decidedly different musical frontier. Bill Wren had become fascinated with the Mayan civilization and, in particular, their 2012 prophecy. Drawing on his deep respect for the Mayans and their highly advanced ways, Wren envisioned a concept album centered on a voyage of exploration and discovery; Journey Around the Sun was born. Thus began the task of composing the cross-genre music, much of which Wren conceptualized before he even connected with Ralls. Next, the duo marshaled their forces, sending music back and forth over the Internet and exchanging emails with suggestions, criticisms, and revisions. One aspect that proved crucial was Ralls’ arranging abilities. As Wren described, “The reason I picked Frank…was not only his skill to produce radio quality music, but his brilliant arrangement skills.” The music on Journey Around the Sun was going to encompass a much broader sonic landscape than One Day in a Life, with music influences from the Spanish, Mediterranean, Eastern European gypsy, and beyond musical cultures. Because of Wren’s vast musical vision, he and Ralls would have to push the envelope and involve some of the most talented and experienced musicians and arrangers, which they obviously did as evidenced by the guest artists’ and arrangers’ resumes.
Co-arrangers on the CD were Terry Winch, who has a long association with Disney and their theme parks, and Ike Sturm, a rising star on the jazz scene who is currently touring Europe with his “Jazz Mass”, which garnered a favorable mention in Downbeat. Guest artists included violinist Philip Pan, concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, vocalist Michelle Amato, who toured with Yanni on his Ethnicity tour, guitarist Sandy Williams, who will be featured on PBS with Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook (late 2011), and many others, all of whom have notable musical chops.
However, what really stands out on Journey Around the Sun (as well as on One Day in a Life), is the sky-high quality of the music and the production, the obvious result of both Wren’s and Ralls’ (some might say) fanatical pursuit of perfection. The unique method that Bill Wren and Frank Ralls exercise when they create music represents a perfect union of two artists who truly complement each other’s strengths and shore up their weaknesses, the result being musical magic. While their uniqueness stands out in the genre of new age or contemporary instrumental music, this level of simpatico thinking has existed in - A Ponder Dust Publishing release


"CONGRATULATIONS! Bill Wren/ Frank Ralls"

CONGRATULATIONS! Bill Wren/ Frank Ralls song The Way It Was has been honored as a top ten winner in the instrumental genre in the Indie International Songwriting Contest! - billwrenmusic


"Bill Wren’s One Day in a Life reaches the top of the charts."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Songbird, Inc.
(254) 934-2024
contact@billwrenmusic.com
A Texas “Wren” Has Flown to Number One!
Bill Wren’s One Day in a Life reaches the top of the charts.
VALLEY MILLS, TEXAS (04/01/10) – In 2009, songwriter Bill Wren released his debut album; One Day in a Life. The album gleaned rave reviews, abundant awards, and a glowing buzz among contemporary instrumental and new age listeners. A new light now shines on One Day in a Life as Wren’s music takes flight to airwaves around the world with the help LAZZ Promotions.
In One Day in a Life, orchestral and acoustic rock creatively collides with hints of jazz and blues to generate a unique contemporary instrumental/new age style. Like a prism, Wren extracts an array of genres from a single positive light source that is simply brilliant and beautiful. Like a master Renaissance painter, Wren uses a musical palette of genres which he mixes and blends perfectly onto a canvas of human experience. His singular goal is to compose music that touches the human heart. One Day in a Life presents eleven tracks that are soothing, smooth and flow easily. Acoustic piano, guitar, and bass mingle with gentle percussion. Moody and mellow soundscapes emerge from complex and soaring scores and subtle melodic menageries.
Many of the songs on One Day in a Life have already won multiple awards. One of these is “Day Break” which alone took first place in the Indie International Songwriting Contest. The album features the masterful production and arranging work of Frank Ralls. Additional arrangement was provided by the gifted expertise of musicians Terry Winch and Ike Sturm. With the addition of LAZZ Promotions, Wren has now tapped into a global audience for the album. In February, 2010, One Day in a Life arrived at number one Zone Music Reporter’s February play charts. In addition, it continues to climb on global play charts. Indeed, a Texas “Wren” has flown to number one with his debut release, an album which is perfect for those fervent for a new light to brighten a “day in their own life.”
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:
www.billwrenmusic.com
FOR ADDITIONAL PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL:
Ed and Stacey Bonk
LAZZ Promotions
E-mail: Lazzpromotions@rogers.com
Phone: 905-470-1230
FAX: 905-470-7771
### - David Erik Creative Director Indie Islands™


"Bill Wren music on SIRIUS Satellite Radio"

Bill Wren music SIRIUS Satellite Radio - New Age Instrumental Music Radio – Listen ...Instrumental Music on SIRIUS Satellite Radio – Listen ... Spa is an ethereal audio experience. It’s new age ... SIRIUS subscribers XM subscriberswww.sirius.com/spa - billwrenmusic


"From ‘Day Tripper’ to One Day in a Life"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Songbird, Inc.
(254) 934-2024
info@songbirdinc.net
www.songbirdinc.net


Twenty-Five Year Detour Leads Bill Wren Back to Music

VALLEY MILLS, TEXAS (01/16/09) – Bill Wren was only fourteen when The Beatles took the stage on the Ed Sullivan Show. It wasn’t long before he bought a bass guitar at a local music store and learned to play. In high school, Bill and his band performed the Fab Four’s “Day Tripper” to the adulation of their fanatic classmates. It was in that very moment his world changed forever. He would spend the next fifteen years playing bass in Rock bands stretching from Michigan to Texas. However, after a twenty-five year detour from music, Bill has now returned to music as much more than a bass player. His debut release, One Day in a Life, displays how his well-honed songwriting skills have evolved with his seamless ability to blend styles.

In One Day in a Life, Orchestral, Acoustic Rock, and New Age music collide to create something simply beautiful. Like a master Renaissance painter, Bill has a musical palette of Jazz, Blues, and Rock which he mixes and blends perfectly on a canvas of his life experience. Says Wren, “I endeavor to write music that moves the human heart in a positive way.” One Day in a Life presents eleven tracks that are soothing, smooth and flow easily. “Heart to Heart” features acoustic piano, guitar, and bass which collide with gentle percussion and speak directly to the soul. Moody and mellow soundscapes emerge from complex and soaring melodies in “Betrayal” and “Day Break.” Compositions such as “Ocean Breeze” and “Old Friend” reveal subtle melodic menageries, with a hint of his influence from the sixties.

The success of One Day in a Life started long before it was released. Many of the songs have already placed at #1 or in the Top 10 on SoundClick.com and Broadjam.com. In fact, Bill’s songs have been played over 37,000 times on SoundClick.com. Additionally, Wren’s compositions have already won awards such as: The Indie International Songwriting Contest, and the UK International Songwriting Contest. Even in pre-release, this album was slated for success, but this success is due to a trio of talent, not simply Bill. The album features the masterful production and arranging work of Frank Ralls. Further arrangement was completed by the gifted musical prowess of Terry Winch and Ike Sturm. It’s the professional work of these three pros that bring Wren’s compositions to life with their flawless harmonic/rhythmic structure and polished production.

It’s been a long trip from “Day Tripper” to One Day in a Life, but it’s a ride that is well worth the wait. It has proven you can take Bill Wren out of music, but you can’t take the music out of Bill Wren. Either way, Wren is back from his detour, and he is right where he belongs. The debut album is available now at SoundClick.com as well as Bill’s web site at the links below. Take time out of your day to get One Day in a Life – it will touch your heart.

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:
www.songbirdinc.net
www.soundclick.com/billwren


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- www.dreamstarmusic.com


"The Light Shines at ‘Day Break’"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Songbird, Inc.
(254) 934-2024
contact@billwrenmusic.com
www.billwrenmusic.com
Bill Wren Wins Indie International Songwriting Contest

VALLEY MILLS, TEXAS (03/15/09) –Texas songwriter Bill Wren has only recently returned to music and songwriting. However, with positive reviews, awards, and a growing buzz surrounding his debut release, One Day in a Life; he’s proven he hasn’t missed a beat. In fact, it was only just after his ‘break’ away from music that he composed ‘Day Break’ which has recently won first place in the 2008 Indie International Songwriting Contest. Now, with a brilliant light shining on the single ‘Day Break’ it’s ‘dawning’ on many fans of new age music that One Day in a Life has many other gleaming singles also worthy of daylight.
The Indie International Songwriting Contest is a semi-annual song competition to give recognition to some of the best emerging songwriters in the world. Wren’s single ‘Day Break’ was announced as the first place winner of the instrumental category in the Fall/Winter 2008 competition. However, ‘Day Break’ wasn’t his only single off the album to receive accolades. In addition, ‘Coming Home’ and ‘Betrayal’ also garnished a fifth and seventh place finish in the same competition. The three tracks create a trifecta for Bill’s One Day in a Life, which contains eleven tracks in total. In One Day in a Life, Orchestral music, acoustic rock and new age genres enmesh to reveal soundscapes that speak directly to the soul. ‘I endeavor to write music that moves the human heart in a positive way,’ says Wren. The album’s title reflects Bill’s creative goal to center all the songs in an aural chronological representation of the events in one day.
One Day in a Life features the skillful production and arrangement of Frank Ralls and the musical talents of Terry Winch and Ike Sturm. Together the trio brings Wren’s compositions to life. Music critics have taken notice of Wren’s debut album as well. Kelly O’Neil writes, “One Day in a Life is finely mixed and expertly produced.” In his review, Serge Kozlovsky adds “…it’s filled with a positive view on a life and it has a refined sound … touching music of a true master Bill Wren!" Airomee Wind sums up the album by writing, "The Music of Bill Wren is Smooth Jazz/ New Age Orchestration at its best!" It may be darkest just before the dawn; however, the light shines brilliantly at ‘Day Break.’ You can become enlightened by the compositions of Bill Wren in One Day in a Life, available now at the link below.

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:
www.billwrenmusic.com
- www.dreamstarmusic.com


"Songs of a open heart"



Amongst the hectic days
Or calming nights
A voice of guitar sings
Song of open heart

It isn’t just one more pleasant album for review because Bill Wren’s life experiences were fully reflected in his music. It expresses a wide scale of various emotions. But even all aforesaid is not essential. The main thing is that Bill Wren’s music is very sincere. These are melodies of the open heart which aspires to share its love and passion with the listeners.

There is much beauty in Bill Wren’s compositions. The artist masterfully mixes various genres. As a result we can listen to perfectly played new age music. Here I’d like to mention another important feature of the album “One Day in a Life”. Its music is weightless, it is natural like a breath. As you listen to Bill Wren’s album it is difficult to understand how you could have lived without this music before.

The album “One Day in a Life” is filled with a positive view on a life. And it has a refined sounding. Rejoice your life with the touching music of a true master Bill Wren!
- author: Serge Kozlovsky


"One Day in a Life"

One Day in a Life
Bill Wren
www.billwrenmusic.com
Perfectly suited for taking along on vacation, One Day in a Life is the product of composer Bill Wren, producer/arranger/keyboardist Frank Ralls, and a variety of guest artists. Eleven tracks meld the best qualities of smooth jazz, contemporary instrumental music, and mellow sounds for a CD that coaxes the listener to take it easy, yet does so without the motifs of traditional meditative music. This music’s appeal lies in how well the acoustic instruments (guitar, cello, piano, pennywhistle) blend seamlessly with superb synth orchestrations and a laid-back rhythm section.
--Bill Binkelman for Inspired Retailer.
Album Review
- Bill Binkelman


Discography

One Day in a Life "Journey Around The Sun"

01 One Day in a Life 01 Winter Solstice 2012
02 Day Break 02 Between Heaven And Earth
03 En Mai 03 Water And Flame
04 Betrayal 04 Journey Around The Sun
05 Ocean Breeze 05 Apocalypse Island
06 The Way it Was 06 Mayan Prophecy
07 I Will Waltz With You 07 Mayan Moonlight
08 Old Friend 08 The Lost City Of Maya
09 Night Fall 09The Voyage
10 Lovers Rendezvous 10 Vessel Of The
11 Heart to Heart Seven Lords
11 Road ti Chichen Itza
12 Beyond The Misty Veil
13 New Heaven, New Earth
14 Eternal Hope


Photos

Bio

Bill and Frank began working together in 2007 on Bill's debut album, One Day In A Life. In 2010 the album went to number 1 on FM new age radio stations across the US and was picked up on Sirius XM satellite radio. Together they have embarked on a new project, Journey Around The Sun: A Mayan Odyssey which is scheduled for release August 2, 2011.