Bill Fuller, a singer/songwriter, guitarist, producer, and audio engineer, is an artist heavily influenced by the classic singer/songwriters of the 70s (Dan Fogelberg; Crosby, Stills, & Nash; The Eagles; James Taylor; and Billy Joel). His recordings have a contemporary sound and production, but meld that style with many genres such as Rock, Jazz, Folk, Adult Contemporary, and Pop. His lyrics are often based on personal experiences, thoughtful ideas, and stories of; politics, self-reflection, innocence, philosophy, heart-break, lust, attraction, love, and marriage.
Singer/Songwriter Bill Fuller's sophomore release, several years in the making, represents a self-reflective understanding of the many stages of relationships. From the innocent first blush of infatuation, through the lustful rush of passion, to heartbreak, desperation, and regret, his latest artistic endeavor culminates in an enlightened understanding of a more profound human connection. The more you listen, the more the music will unfold and reveal contemplative brush strokes of life lessons we all experience; be it a political yearning to make the world a better place, a simple budding romantic curiosity, or the painful realization that life sometimes doesn't go the way we wish it would.
In the same way a fine wine needs air and time for all of its nuances to truly be appreciated, these narratives, looked at retrospectively, have brought about a more potent energy than if had they just occurred. It is this looking back that allows the gift of comprehension and has created the impetus to craft these 15 songs.
Heavily influenced by the classic Singer/Songwriters of the 70's, Bill melds that genre into a more contemporary sound and production. Exploring many musical styles, this album has variations of Rock, Jazz, Folk, Adult Contemporary, Pop, and Latin. Flavored with acoustic guitar and layered with background vocals throughout, each tune has it own vibe. Moving from a jazzy improvisational jam that punctuates the unbelievable passion of an erotic fantasy-like encounter, to a tight funk grooving rock song of hopefulness, or to a tune with a Latin beat that excites, music lovers of all backgrounds will appreciate the sonic cornucopia.
This work features transformative music that captivates all ages with relatable circumstances, inspiring the listener to make the call, take the step, profess their feelings, and to find their reason to seize the moment; a truth that lies within each of us.
Bill was extremely fortunate to be working on this album with many talented musicians that helped bring these tunes to life. Many tracks feature gorgeous electric guitar solos, a synth guitar solo, and rhythm electric guitar parts by Matt Flaherty. Fantastic piano, organ, string arrangements, and electric piano are played by Steve Lu. Accordion, piano, electric piano, and organ are awesomely played by Rob Curto. Soulful trumpet solos & parts were added by Bart Bartholomew and Indofunk Satish. The track "Unison" features the legendary latin artist, Orlando Marin, on timbales. Tight bass playing is performed by his son, Orlando Marin Jr, on all the tracks. Great drum grooves were laid down by Daryl Serrano, Chris Eddleton, Brenden Wyant, and Glenn Schloss. A few of the tracks feature drums, loops, percussion, and grooves programmed by Bill himself. Bill's uncle, Dennis Dougherty, dropped in to add some mood setting slide guitar and mandolin on the title track "Let it Breathe", a song reflecting on how the events of 911 have changed us all. Many tracks are also filled out with vocals, acoustic guitar, rhythm electric guitar, keys, wurlitzer, organ, mellotron, and string parts arranged and played by Bill. He also produced, engineered, and mixed the album. Lyrics were written by Stephanie Fuller on the track "Peace." All music & lyrics written by Bill Fuller.
The coming of age perspective and boundless optimism of Bill’s first album is infectious. Each tune is infused with a melodic energy, as Bill relates to what it feels like to discover the world around us. That power of novelty permeates his upbeat take on attraction, love, and pivotal moments. Along the way, the listener will be pulled into the various attempts to interact with an unfolding life on the cusp of adventure.
Bill's soothing vocals, combined with inviting grooves and flavorful riffs, carry the listener into a world of possibility. His songs present moments in time, where various feelings and decisions made, guide his characters’ paths and hint at the direction of their future. His tone is clear and his attitude is focused on getting through whatever obstacle life presents. He proudly professes feelings with a rawness that penetrates the rough exterior of even the most skeptical among us. There are tunes that express a dissatisfaction with a corrupt political system, a frustration over not being able to communicate effectively, a feeling of impatience at wanting to gather the courage to approach someone in the distance, and a portrayal of a difficult disagreement by a couple who each see things in their own way. The lyrics that describe the “empty glass” that “shines” could be considered an allegory of Bill’s positive worldview; one of appreciation and discovery.
Each song is engaging in its own right, but many seem tied to an underlying belief that if you are willing to be vulnerable and give enough of yourself, you can find your truth and reach a paradise of your own.
Bill’s songs are influenced by many 70s singer/songwriters and groups, including James Taylor; Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Jackson Brown; Dan Fogelberg; The Eagles; Billy Joel; and Simon & Garfunkel. His own contemporary style is carefully woven into the authentic sounds he admired growing up, creating a mix that be will be appreciated by the listener.
On this inaugural album, Bill worked with some extremely talented musicians including Matt Flaherty on electric guitar solos, electric rhythm guitars, and acoustic guitars; Steve Lu on piano, electric piano, strings, keys, and B3 organ; Orlando Marin Jr., Kurt Uenala, and Jon Kaplan on bass; Brenden Wyant, Louis LaCava, Nick Buda, and Jimmy Weaver on drums; Mark Bajakian on saxophone; and Heather Combs and Matt Flaherty on background vocals. In addition to lead and background vocals, Bill contributes on acoustic and electric guitar; percussion and drum programming; and bass.
Many different audio engineers worked on these recordings including; Brett Blanden, Mike Barrett, Mark Wroblewsky, and J.C. Fragoso. Bill produced the album and contributed to the audio engineering and mixing.