Wayne Gratz — Composer/Pianist

Sunday November 13, 2011 Listen to selections: A Silent Wind (2011) My Back to the Beach (2011) By the Sea (1996)

Born in Winston Salem, North Carolina, in June of 1954, Wayne Gratz acquired his love for music at a early age. At the age of five, Wayne moved to Reading, Pennsylvania. Inspired by his kindergarten teacher, Wayne began playing the piano at age six and studied piano into his high school years. He then began studying guitar. With the onset of cool keyboard bands such as Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes, and Genesis, Wayne decided to return to the keyboards.

In addition to his love for music, Wayne also did pretty well at swimming, competing at statewide high school meets. "Since you can't really make a living at swimming," Gratz says , "I decided to keep music as my main focus. " A resident of Reading, PA from the age of five through high school, Wayne played in various rock bands. After high school, he began touring the U.S and Canada, ending up in Orlando, Florida in 1976.

From 1989 to 2002, Wayne released 7 albums of original compositions on the Narada Label and 4 albums of cover music on the Enso label. Wayne also contributed to some of the most memorable compositions on Narada's best selling collections, The Wilderness Collection, A Childhood Remembered, Piano Solos, and 2 Christmas Collection albums.

Wayne started his own label Wayne Gratz Music in 2002 and has composed and produced 6 albums, including Sleepy Baby Suite, Christmas Remembered, Soul to Soul, Light, Lands and Shoreline, Two Views, and his most recent project Four Steps to the Ocean. In addition, his music has been used for the Olympic games specialty segments, NBC television specials, and background music for numerous other television/radio advertisements, including a nationally-televised Tiger Woods segment and background music for a DVD of Thomas Kinkade's paintings. Wayne is currently composing the film score for a Hollywood documentary film. Wayne's music is featured on Music Choice and can be heard on Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio, WLOQ, and numerous radio stations around the world.

A Search for Certainty

Tim & Myles Thompson — Guitar and Fiddle

Sunday August 2, 2009 Listen to selections: Theme from The Flintstones July Song

Tim Thompson, New York born, Minnesota grown, now Nashville guitarist, singer/songwriter and producer, while mastering his instrument, has developed his own unique guitar style with hints of some of his heroes: Joe Pass, Pat Martino, Chet Atkins, and others. When Tim is not in some Nashville studio playing on songs for other artists and songwriters, he's wood-shedding on his own music. Tim's intricate and energetic finger-style interpretations of some of the great classics can be heard on his two solo instrumental guitar CDs Christmas and Cathedral, and his latest album Revved Up. Tim's arrangement and performance of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, is featured in the soundtrack for Casper's Haunted Christmas. (The Friendly Ghost)

Thompson's drive for perfection in his music doesn't stop at his skillful guitar work. His song lyrics on his latest singer/songwriter release Bring On The Giants reveal a clear, introspective quality that comes from hours of reading great literature and studying the craft of lyric writing. Tim's songs paint a picture with words and melodies that will move the listening audience.

In addition to producing his own three CDs, Tim produces other artists, helping them discover the heart of their own music. These include Mike Brandon (Kerrville Folk Festival winner), Nelda Sisk (Kerrville finalist), Tirk Wilder (writer of the theme song for the hit TV series "Walker Texas Ranger"), Anne Kristen (Norway), Jamie-Sue Seal (Detroit), and others.

Tim's live performances are the culmination of all his hard work, and reveal Tim's candid, down to earth personality, seen often at Nashville's world renowned Blue Bird Café and solo concerts around the US. He has appeared on The Grand Ole Opry's WSM radio program "Opry Star Spotlight" with host Matthew Gillian, performed live bumper music for nationally syndicated talk show host, Phil Valentine, and NPR's "The Songwriter Sessions."

Thompson's rich style has brought recognition through endorsements by Canadian Guitar Company, Garrison Guitars, Elixir Strings, and national record distribution with New Day Christian Distributors. Tim has accumulated a large catalog of songs and has had his songs recorded by artists that have received extensive airplay in the US and Europe.

Danza Brasilera

Jim Van Cleve — Grammy Nominated Fiddle Player

Sunday June 28, 2009

Jim VanCleve is a top-shelf musician in the band that is taking the acoustic scene by storm, MOUNTAIN HEART. In addition to the extensive traveling he does, he is also a full time session musician, and record producer in Nashville, TN.

The last couple of years have been a whirlwind of success for Jim's career. His debut solo project, "NO APOLOGIES" was nominated for a GRAMMY in the "Best Country Instrumental" Category in 2007. The project was also nominated at the International Bluegrass Music Awards for "Instrumental Album of the Year" that same year. The project had an impressive total of three charting singles and was ultimately awarded Album of the Year honors in the Folk Music Category at the Indie Music Awards.

In addition to all this, the lead-off single from the album, "Let the Big Dog Eat", held the No. 1 spot for three months. "NO APOLOGIES" was included in top ten lists for these major Publications: WALL STREET JOURNAL, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, CMT, WASHINGTON TIMES, USA TODAY. Upon its release, "No Apologies" immediately placed in the top ten in the BillBoard Sales Chart for that week, and remained there in the charts each week for over two months following. All this for a debut solo release!

As a solo artist, it is safe to say, Jim has started off on the right foot!! However, this is but one side of coin...

As a session musician working on an ever-increasing number of albums each year, Jim has built a very impressive resume. All in the last three years, he has been featured on Carrie Underwood's No. 1 hit single, "Don't Forget to Remember Me", from the Multi-Platinum "Some Hearts" recording, featured as part of his band, Mountain Heart, on the recording, "Strumming with the Devil" (with David Lee Roth of Van Halen), and was prominently featured on the "Best Country Album" Grammy Award Winning, "Livin',Lovin', Losin': A Tribute to the Louvin Brothers". As a session musician, these are but a few projects he's been asked to take part in recently.

Jim also was recruited to write and record a new Awards Show Theme Song by the International Bluegrass Music Association (an honor previously held by the great Jerry Douglas, and the incomparable Mark O'Connor before him). The new theme song, "Road From Rosine" debuted at the 2007 IBMA Awards Show in Nashville.

Jim was also recently asked to write an instrumental track for a studio project by Sierra Hull, the young mandolin and vocal prodigy you might have seen on television, either sitting in with Alison Krauss, or as an actress in the new Billy Graham movie. Ron Block (of Alison Krauss and Union Station) and Sierra produced her debut solo project and commissioned Jim to write the song, which eventually was entitled SMASHVILLE. Sierra's album, Secrets, is now available on Rounder Records. Check it out!

Last year, Jim was also a featured special guest performer on the ACM Awards Show, live from Las Vegas with country superstar, Sara Evans. The song they performed was called "Coalmine", which spent several weeks in the Billboard Top 10 and featured Jim throughout.

Jim has also become, since the release of his solo project, an in-demand record producer. Recent projects he has produced include songs or albums for Carrie Hasler, Clay Jones, Mountain Heart, and Taylor Swift.

In addition to all this, some of the artists he has recorded and/or performed with includes: Johnny Cash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Skip Ewing, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Dierks Bentley, Emmy Lou Harris, Joe Nichols, John Cowan, Ronnie Bowman, Linda Ronstadt, Bryan Sutton, Stuart Duncan, Rodney Crowell, Sonya Isaacs, Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans, Ricky Skaggs, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, Glen Cambell, Sam Bush, Chris Thile, Tim O'Brien, Doc Watson, Del McCoury Band, Blue Highway, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Patty Loveless, Terri Clark, Ronnie Dunn, Rhonda Vincent, and Nickel Creek.

Check out Jim's website for more information on the album, "No Apologies". It's a groundbreaking next step for Jim, and for Acoustic Music in general! Also, there's plenty of info there about Jim and some other interesting stuff, such as photos from the road and studio, and upcoming shows that he'll be involved with!

Josh Shilling — Singer/Songwriter

Sunday June 28, 2009 Listen to selections: Sweet Like Sugar After the Pain Is Gone Road That Never Ends

Versatile singer/songwriter Josh Shilling boasts an impressive combination of experience and musicianship, belying his youth. Only 26 years-old, Shilling's musical forays have been diverse and considerable, ranging from jazz and funk-tinged ensembles to soul and contemporary country, jam-band, and folk projects.

A Martinsville, Virginia native, he began playing the piano at a mere 7 years old. As a child, his voracious musical study traversed rock, jazz, and classic country. He matured into a skilled pianist whose playing style capably relays honky tonk, rock, funk, or soul grooves. Shilling also developed steadily as a guitarist, while honing his natural vocal ability.

As a teenager, Shilling fielded offers to tour nationally with professional bands, and at 17, he graduated high school one year early to begin his musical pursuits. He began traveling with The Kings, a successful regional band from Roanoke, Virginia. The deceptively junior new member stunned audiences with his soulful vocals and confidence. Subsequent gigs soon followed with nationally touring artists including Cimmaron, country star Billy "Crash" Craddock and Chicago's Bill Champlin, who proclaimed Shilling "has the potential to be one of the greats."

His 2005 collaboration with Detroit-based Balancing Act led to resounding affirmation of Shilling's songwriting skills. In addition to providing lead vocals and keyboard work, he penned several compositions for the group's album. One of the tunes attracted the attention of MTV, who obtained licenses to incorporate the song into episodes of popular shows Punk'd and Making the Video.

2007 found Shilling joining acclaimed bluegrass ensemble Mountain Heart. His robust vocals, evolving signature piano stylings and nimble guitar work enhance the group's rich acoustic sound. Noted music journalist Jon Weisberger praised Shilling's addition to the band: "He's going to fit right in with Mountain Heart's signature sound, while bringing some new dimensions to their music...there's no apparent limit to the upper end of his range." The same year, Shilling wrote or co-wrote all of the four new songs featured on the group's live album, The Road that Never Ends, including project's title track, which reached the 4th slot on Billboard's bluegrass chart.

Mountain Heart's January 2007 appearance on the Grand Ole Opry introduced Shilling to an eagerly receptive crowd; he earned a standing ovation and encore that evening -- a rarity and intoxicating distinction for any artist on that revered stage. Since that night, Shilling has played on the Opry stage over 30 times, has opened several shows as part of Lynyrd Skynyrd's 2008 summer tour, and is currently touring and performing with legendary guitarist Tony Rice.

Now based in Nashville, Shilling continues to perform with Mountain Heart while pursuing his solo career. When he's not recording or writing for new projects, guest appearances with artists who inspire him also line his schedule. "I always try to be involved with something that's truly special - something innovative," Shilling explains. "I want to be a part of something that's real. No matter what style it's rooted in, I want the music and experience to be heartfelt and authentic." He embraces music in its totality: His fierce immersion in one genre is enhanced by his passion for the others. Young but prodigious, Josh Shilling's future promises both success and tireless innovation guaranteed to delight music lovers all over the world.

Josh has shared stages with artists ranging from country stars Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Miranda Lambert, and Diamond Rio to Rock and R&B legends like Michael McDonald, Tower of Power, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Road That Never Ends

Jeff Pearce — Hearts of Space Guitarist

Saturday May 16, 2009 Listen to selections: Night Path Rainshadow Sky The Last Warm Day in October

Jeff Pearce is a consummate musician and composer whose years in recording and performing have distinguished him as a premier player of the Chapman Stick, a brilliant hybrid guitar-like instrument that few players have dared approach. Combining ambient chordal structure and melody simultaneously, Jeff's performances are simply captivating. As someone who's shared the stage with Jeff, I've repeatedly witnessed the enthusiastic audience reactions to his performances; a wonderful evening of contemporary composition.
-- William Ackerman, founder of Windham Hill records

Based in Indiana, Jeff Pearce is well known to the new age music community for his unique approach to the Chapman Stick. Whether playing intimate acoustic-tinged music or crafting deep-space drifts, Jeff composes music which uniquely combines melody and mystery. His most recent CD, Rainshadow Sky, was awarded "2008 Album of the Year" by New Age Reporter. It features music composed for the Chapman Stick and recorded live at house concerts from late 2007 through summer 2008. House concerts are an ideal venue for Jeff and his music -- his live performances mixing songs from his CD with humorous storytelling and surprising musical improvisations.

Covering the range of a bass guitar and acoustic guitar, and played with two hands like a piano, the Chapman Stick has proven to be a big hit with house concert attendees and hosts, and a refreshing break from more traditional instrumentation. Jeff is always willing to let attendees have a "hands on" experience with the Chapman Stick after his shows (this gives him a chance to raid any nearby refrigerators or buffet tables).

Jeff has shared the more traditional concert stage with Windham Hill artists Will Ackerman and Liz Story, as well as many other artists.

With nine full length CDs to his name, Jeff's music has received many honors and much airplay since his first release in 1993. Jeff's music has been reviewed in Billboard, Downbeat, and Guitar Player magazines, and music from his CDs has appeared in projects for Mercedes-Benz, Muzak, and the NBC Summer Olympics. And Jeff's music can be heard worldwide on the "Music from the Hearts of Space" and "Echoes" syndicated radio programs. At this writing, Jeff's latest CD Rainshadow Sky has spent three months in the top 10 of the worldwide new age charts, and placed in the top 20 of the 2300+ worldwide new age CDs of 2008.

James Casto — Piano Man, with Matt Blanchard on Sax

Saturday April 18, 2009 Listen to selections: Home By Dark Grateful

It's easy to hear the influences in the music of James Casto. Traces of Billy Joel, Phil Vassar, Kenny Loggins, Bruce Hornsby, and Michael McDonald all weave their way into his songs. Casto started his musical career as a drummer doing session work and live performances in Atlanta, GA. His deepest passion, however, was songwriting. But it was years later before he felt confident enough to pursue his dream to write songs.

Not seeing a future in music for himself, Casto earned an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and set out to make it in the business world by starting his own company. In 2000, he sold his enterprise to a multi-national company and went to work for them. Shortly after 9-11, he realized that he was truly miserable because he had forsaken his passion for songwriting. With a lot of fear and doubt, Casto left his lucrative corporate job to pursue music in January 2002. The decision has changed his life... for the MUCH better. He quickly became a mainstay in Nashville learning the ropes from successful songwriters. He became a 3-time winner in the Nashville Songwriters Association - Country Music Television Songwriting Contest and a regular performer at the Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner, and other venues around Music City. Never truly intending to be a performer, Casto found that the best way to get his songs heard was playing live. Since then, Casto's soulful pop vocals and percussive style of piano playing has earned him fans across the globe. In short, he is a changed man because he took a leap of faith to pursue his passion.

In 2004, Casto tapped into his business acumen when he started the Nashville Songwriters Tour. The tour consists of three talented Nashville performing songwriters and Casto. James felt that it would be an advantage in the competitive Nashville songwriting market if the four of them created a brand to stand out from the sea of individual writers. The idea worked. The foursome have released three CDs to date. The projects are performed in-the-round style, which simulates their live show. Sell-out audiences and thousands of CDs later, the Nashville Songwriters Tour turned out to be much bigger than anyone expected.

James Casto combines recording and touring with the NST and managing a busy solo career. In 2006, he released his first solo CD, Vol 1 and added saxophonist Matt Blanchard to his live show. The combination fit perfectly and the two-man show has been met with enthusiasm around the country. Casto had his first major songwriting cut in 2006 with Peace On Earth recorded by platinum-selling artist Lila McCann. In addition to cuts by numerous independent artists, Casto has written music for Mazda, Kroger, Macys, Mercy Ships International, the City of Alpharetta, GA, and many others. In July 0f 2008, James released his second solo project, Vol. 3. Vol. 4 is due out this year.

Matt Blanchard graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz and Contemporary Media on Tenor Saxophone. He currently plays and tours internationally with New York City based lungcore band, Jerseyband. Matt has recorded and toured with acclaimed singer/songwriters from Atlanta and Nashville and recently performed 5 evenings at Lincoln Center in New York. Matt can also be heard on nationally televised commercials for products such as Crest, Trix, Tide, and Cascade. Blanchard has recorded on over 60 albums for both independent and major label artists.

Be Courageous