The new Reilly CD (yes, the band formerly known as The John Reilly Band) is a great CD! It is called “Let June Decide.” The band has grown tremendously in the songwriting, arranging and in John’s lead vocals. For the symphonic rock fans that have followed the band for years, the symphonic influences are still there. Many great strings parts in the arrangements, a wealth of acoustic guitar, etc., but part of the band’s growth is the alternative rock influences that make a number of the songs more powerful, even “edgier” if you will. Some Ugg favorites (and it is HARD not to list all the songs):

1. Limited Time (John’s vocals rock on this one)
2. Run (great strings!)
3. Dying For Life (very cool intro)
4. Beautiful You (chorus really soars)
5. June (intro includes slide into quasi-classical, haunting piano part. Check it out!)
6. Come To Me (great blend of symphonic and alt rock)

I think you’ll agree with Mr. Ugg, it is the best yet from Reilly.

About the Band

West Coast Revival (WCR) started out as a youth band in 1997. The original band started out with Jonathan and Ryan Baird as the principal songwriters and leaders of the band with Zach Boomsma on drums and Sean Curran on bass. In 2004, Aaron Baird, the oldest of the Baird brothers, moved out to California and was added as an electric guitarist. Aaron Baird brought a wealth of experience having already recorded on several albums as well as having a song he co-wrote, “Everlasting”, featured as the title track on the Sovereign Grace Ministries album “Everlasting” in 1999.

Continuing to write and progress as a band, WCR begain to gain interest from Sovereign Grace Ministries not only for their songwriting but also for their work as a band. In 2005 the band was invited to Maryland to create a five song EP called Fuse, which opened the door for the band to record their first full length album and further develop their relationship with writer/producer and Ugg Records founder, Steve Cook.

West Coast Revival’s first full album, released in October of 2006, was recorded at Citrus College in Azusa, CA, and engineered by Tim Jaquete. It was mixed by Sam Gibson (who also mixes Delirious, Chris Tomlin, Pearl Jam, and The Newsboys) and mastered by the legendary Bob Katz. The project was co-produced by WCR and Steve Cook for Ugg Records.

Links

• West Coast Revival
• WCR @MySpace
• WCR @Facebook

Reilly emerged nearly seven years ago from the Philadelphia music scene. In their early development they fused intricate violin and flute arrangements with folk to create their signature “symphonic rock” sound. Their rare combination of musical genres, spiritual lyrics, and catchy melodies attracted a wide range of listners, transcending the normal categories generally associated with Christian rock.

In more recent years Reilly has moved towards a slightly edgier alt-rock sound. While retaining the orchestral components their fans have grown to love, they have incorporated electric guitar and keys, creating a richer layered sound. Their latest CD, Let June Decide, captures the band’s musical maturity while showcasing their continued ambition to fuse rock with classical violin.

Lyrically, Reilly has always striven to write songs that are both artistic and spiritually rich. Many of their songs are written from a personal perspective representing both the joys and struggles of faith in God.

Song Samples

• Sunlight
• Limited Time
• This Side of Your Life
• June

• Reilly Official Website
• Reilly @MySpace
• Reilly @Facebook
• Reilly @Twitter

About the Band

Generation Letter began when Sovereign Grace Ministries Producer, Integrity Music Songwriter and UGG Records President, Steve Cook suggested blending the talents and visions of frontman George Romanacce with band members John Ripley, Alex Couch, Stephen Morgan and Joey Phillips. Over many prayerful conversations, it became clear that the Lord’s timing and leading was in place. As individuals, each member of Generation Letter had the desire and vision to be a part of a band that would glorify the Savior, and as UGG Records exists to promote sound biblical songwriting with relevant Alternative Music styles – this was a natural fit.

Not only was the vision to create and record great music to glorify God, but to offer freely the joy of worshipping God with a biblically informed theology of worship. As you read the words of Generation Letter songs you will find compelling lyrics that further the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When you couple those thought provoking lyrics with fresh and exciting music you have a compelling musical platform. The result of this God ordained group of worshippers is a musical blend of melodic, indie, alternative rock alongside passionate vocals and harmonious guitar riffs that brings a fresh angle to Christian music.

The self titled EP was recorded in Atlanta in November of ‘07 with Matt Goldman and Jeremy Griffith at Glow in the Dark Studios. Since the EP release in February of 2008 the band has been blown away by the reception of their music. Selected as a winner in the Creation Festival 2008 National Talent Search, the band performed live in PA with Worth Dying For, Run Kid Run, Red, and many others at Creation’08. Soon afterward the band rocked alongside fellow UGG Records artists Reilly and West Coast Revival at Cornerstone ’08. Sharing the stage in August of 08′ with Stellar Kart, Vicky Beeching, and MercyMe at the GMA Music in the Rockies, Generation Letter performed as the Gospel Music Association/HearItFirst.com 2008 Battle of the Bands Grand Prize Winners.

The band also were winners in the Lifelight Festival Sonicbids Talent search and were invited to play in South Dakota at the biggest Christian Music Festival in the U.S. While the momentum is exciting, the guys are quick to point out that the primary vision of Generation Letter is to support the advancement of the Gospel and the building of Christ’s Church here on earth. As members of the Worship Team at Metro Life Church in Casselberry, FL the guys have the opportunity to live out the truths they sing about on a weekly basis. To catch Generation Letter on the radio tune into Power 88 in Colorado Springs, CO or listen online at www.power88.org.

Song Samples

• Always Near
• Jesus My Glory
• Blessed Assurance
• Blood And Water

Links

• Generation Letter Official Website
• Generation Letter @MySpace
• Generation Letter Facebook

About the Band

Starting a band never crossed the minds of the Gilland siblings of Tall Tree. Though playing and singing music was a part of normal life for them, all of their musical efforts were mainly focused on serving their local church and having fun with friends. This was easy, because their dad, Mike Gilland, was the Music Pastor at their church. It wasn’t until the encouragement from their dad and eventual producer, Steve Cook, did they ever consider becoming a band and hitting the recording studio.

Tall Tree brings a unique range of musical style to the table. From alternative rock to indie acoustic, they bring their widespread musical tastes to bear, not only in their recordings, but also to the stage.

Their passion is to use a broad range of musical style as a means to draw people’s attention to a very focused end…the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their aim in music is the same aim of their life…bringing honor and glory to God.

Links

• Tall Tree Official Website
• Tall Tree @MySpace
• Tall Tree @Facebook