BILL PALMER is a guitarist, composer/musician and an educational author. His style is a mix of rock tones, ambient sound-scapes and jazz-influenced harmony. Along similar stylistic lines to Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson but with a voice all his own, Bill's debut self-recorded album "Outlines" (ToneFreak records 2007) has garnered much critical acclaim from both music industry press and insiders and has been described as "awesome" (Mark Holden - Australian Idol), "a guitar players wet dream" (Rave Magazine Sept. 08), "epic sounding" (Australian Guitar Vol. 64) and "amazing" (T.J Helmerich) Bill received a nomination and was a finalist in the "Jazz Classical" category of the 2008 Music OZ awards for his song "New Rays from a Distant Sun" which also received a commended entry award in the 2008 UK Songwriting competition. Bill was also shortlisted from over 3000 entrants to receive an APRA professional development award in March 2009 and was a top 10 nominee but unfortunately did not make the final 5. Recently, Bill won the annual "ShredFest" guitar competition held at "The Music Spot" in Q.L.D and has also began writing some instructional material for "Guitarist Australia" magazine. The May 2009 issue will feature an artist spotlight on Bill as well as placing a track off the "Outlines" album and a recently recorded music video on the accompanying CD.
STUDY AND EDUCATION Bill studied at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney (for 1 year only) and completed his BMUS Jazz performance degree at Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium of Music in 2004. Presently Bill is enrolled in a Master's post-graduate jazz performance programme at the QLD conservatorium of music which he expects to complete in 2009. He's also halfway through a graduate certificate in Tertiary teaching
ALBUMS *Amaze by Squeaker (unsigned) 2002 *Lorem Ipsum by Jarrad Payne (unsigned) 2003 *Ellington's Heirs by S.A Jazz Archive Inc 2004 *Salty self titled by Salty (unsigned) 2004 *Free by Hannah (Soundbox records) 2007
TOURS *SuperAlterEgo by Avra (JSEM music) 2003 *Centre of Gravity by Tim Carter (Supersonic) 2003 *Silent Broadway by Ash Hansen (Upside music) 2006
PUBLICATIONS *Concepts of Jazz for all musicians Volume 1 (Self Published) 2004 -A non-instrument specific self help guide for would-be jazz musicians. Essentially a jazz theory "text book" with a conversational writing style and clear concise methods for getting into jazz orientated harmony. Described by Australian Guitar Magazine as "...just about the best we've seen in terms of de-mystifying the art of jazz guitar and teaching the theory in easy to swallow mouthfuls..."
*Amaze songbook (self published) 2003 -Bill contributed to the songbook/transcriptions published by Adelaide act Squeaker from their self-titled debut album. His contribution was essentially helping clear up the names of some of the chords; Bill scores a mention in the credits.
*Silent Broadway songbook (Upside Music) 2006 -Bill proofed and edited the songbook/transcriptions from Ash Hansen's debut solo album Silent Broadway. The tasks included checking the guitar voicings, notation, spacing, clefs and various other mundane eye squinting tasks. Bill receives a mention in the credits at the start of the book.
Hey Bill, Great guitar work, very creative ! Some of my music is being played by FretNet right there in Australia, your tone is spot-on ! all the best, Will..
Hi Bill, I listened to your tunes tonight and it all sounds really good. I enjoyed them. Great guitar work and Some nice bass parts there also... hope to talk soon... Chris
