Bill Bartholomew
New York City, New York, United States | SELF
Music
Press
After making a name for himself in the music scene in Rhode Island, as both a solo artist and co-front man of the indie rock band Commas with long time collaborator singer / songwriter Chris Knott, Bill made his way to Bushwick in mid-2006. After a year, an EP (Six Other Songs, 2006) and a few line-up changes, Commas eventually called it quits in 2007. With more time to devote to his endeavors as a solo artist, Bill began to explore a more mature sound, citing influences like Dylan and Young, he took to the Brooklyn open mic scene, playing anytime he could get on stage. And Brooklyn took notice.
Currently Bill has assembled a six piece to back up his polished solo routine, including Knott leading the three-man percussion section, and recorded 'World on a Wire' EP at Audio Piranha Studios. Bartholomew's airy vocals are complimented by his driving guitars and rounded out with dry, grooving bass riffs and atmospheric piano melodies over a bed of percussion. Check him out this Saturday at The Trash Bar for the CD release party (see picks). - The Weekly Wick (Brooklyn, NY) (3.30.08)
BILL BARTHOLOMEW is an artist who has made a name for himself outside of the area. You may remember Bill from his work in Acid Rain Revival, which lasted five years or so at the start of this century. Bill also formed the Commas in ’04, and he moved with that band to Brooklyn, where they released an EP and gained attention in Williamsburg. But last year the Commas disbanded and Bill started working on his own. He will be returning from his new home of Brooklyn to say hello to old friends and celebrate the release of his new EP, World On a Wire, his solo debut, this Friday (the 9th) at the Shorebreak in Narragansett. He’ll be accompanied by fellow Brooklynite band Kate Starr. Come on down, renew acquaintances with Bill, and meet his new band. Call 401.783.1022.
-Bob Gulla
www.thephoenix.com - The Providence Phoenix
Bill Bartholomew has a new EP out called 'World on a Wire' and 'American Anthem' puts a huge arrangement behind the energetic delivery we're used to seeing in his live performances. Check out that slice of Mould-esque guitar pop on is Myspace page... another solid Resonance at Piano's.
-Ben Krieger
www.jezebelmusic.com - Jezebelmusic.com (5.14.08)
"(He) has taken more than one lesson from live Springsteen performances; this dude works his ass off on stage. He embellishes his Replacements-style songs with stomping, twirling, posing, even fade outs. Bartholomew is a open mic regular and is clearly growing as a performer. 2008 promises to be a year of incredible growth for this ambitious songwriter."
-Ben Krieger
www.jezebelmusic.com - Jezebelmusic.com (1.23.08)
Bill Bartholomew performed from start to finish with palpable energy. Bartholomew succeeds at delivering well written, honest-to-goodness acoustic folk/rock songs. A skilled songwriter and natural performer, Bartholomew has the ability to seamlessly give himself to (and lose himself in) his music. His accompaniment, Quinton Gelderman on djembe/cymbal, added significantly to the heartfeltedness of the performance with energetic, physically-engaging percussive reenforcement. - Dan DIppolito – jezebelmusic.com - Dan DIppolito, jezebelmusic.com
From the winter 2009 issue (news stands or www.thedelimagazine.com)
Sometimes it's difficult to discern if a singer-songwriter is excited and passionate about his or her music. An influx of singer-songwriters yields to subpar, anemic vocal deliveries and lackluster melodies, which subsequently leads to jaded music critics questioning their existence. Without a doubt, Bill Bartholomew enjoys performing and recording his songs on the spirited, hook-laden EP, "World on a Wire." On "American Anthem," he starts off with standard pop rock, but midway through the song cuts into a funky breakdown with a showcase of his guitar skills. Bartholomew's bright vocals and charged-up choruses make for an exciting debut.
- The Deli Magazine
Bill Bartholomew literally didn't need a microphone at times for the force and emotion in his powerful voice. - 2008 Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition journal - jezebelmusic.com
Discography
Wild Colours EP (Nov. 2009) - Self Released
World on a Wire EP (April 2008) - Self Released
Photos
Bio
Whether fronting his hard-hitting band or delivering an intimate solo acoustic performance, Brooklyn singer-songwriter Bill Bartholomew captivates audiences with his powerful persona, warm voice and well-crafted originals.
"Strong songwriting, wordy lyrical constructs, and an ear for hooks...reminiscent of some of the leading indie folk troubadours of today, like Elvis Perkins and The Tallest Man On Earth...blistering electric guitar work...seriously infectious pop...I found myself not wanting it to be over." - ON DEAF EARS (Austin, TX)
"Start to finish with palpable energy. Bartholomew succeeds at delivering well written, honest-to-goodness folk/rock songs. A skilled songwriter and natural performer, (he) has the ability to seamlessly give himself to (and lose himself in) his music." - JEZEBELMUSIC.COM (NYC)
"Without a doubt, Bill Bartholomew enjoys performing and recording his songs on the spirited, hook-laden EP, "World on a Wire". "American Anthem" starts off with standard pop rock, but midway the song cuts into a funky breakdown with a showcase of his guitar skills. Bartholomew's bright vocals and charged-up choruses make for an exciting debut." - THE DELI MAGAZINE (NYC)
"Hook-filled songs." - THE HOOK (Charlottesville, VA)
"A flair for melody." - THE PROVIDENCE PHOENIX (Providence, RI)
"(He) literally didn't need a microphone at times for the force and emotion in his powerful voice." - Fifth Annual Williamsburg Live Songwriters Competition Journal (NYC)
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