Greg Ritchie: Drums/nintendo Zack Lober: Bass/Fonz impressions Robert Ritchie: Guitar/Roller Hockey Joely Pittman: Vox/Her own Music Zach Williams: Vox/guitar/woffle ball
M. Ward, Bill Withers, Ray Lamontagne, Elvis Costello, Joss Stone, Deana Krall, Amos Lee, Counting Crows, Black Crows, Elvis Presley, Etta James, Aretha Franklyn, Gavin Degraw, Griffin House, Joe Cocker, Johnny Cash, My Morning Jacket, Page France, marc broussard, martin Sexton, Marvin Gaye, Mindy Smith, Nickelcreek, Old Crow Medicine Show, Otis Redding, Over The Rhine, Patty Griffin, Pedro the Lion, Pete Yorn, Rachael Yamagata, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Rufus Wainwright, Ryan Adams, Sia, Soon, Starsailor, Stereophonics, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, Sufjan Stevens, Third Day, Tracy Chapman, Train, Travis, TV on the Radio, Van Morrison, Whiskeytown, White Stripes, Wilco, Willie Nelson, Wolfmother, Angie Stone, Anna nalick, The Beatles, Ben Folds, Ben Harper, Ben Kweller, Ben Pasley, Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Bright Eyes, Brian Wilson, Iron and Wine, The Cardigans, Cat Power, Citizen Cope, Clap your hands Say yeah, Coldplay, Copeland, Common, D'Angelo, Damien Jurado, Damien Rice, Death Cab for Cutie, The Decemberists, and of course Dolly Parton
Zach Williams comes from Georgia and his music comes from childhood bike rides down steep hills, the valleys of real tragedy, the rivers of hope pushing you on, sincere prayers, wind chimes on a back porch where grandfathers rock in silence, the back of cereal boxes on Saturday mornings, rust and shadows in an old barn, wet pavement after rain in the city, a string full of caught fish, the advice of generations before, the way love will surprise you in someone you’ve known for years, a bullheaded grip on lifelong friendship, and the offering of an open hand.
Zach was a late bloomer as songwriters go and didn’t perform his first song publicly till near the end of college. That was in West Palm Beach in 2004 and the reception to this new artist was as warm as a south Florida summer night. The music and Zach have been growing ever since. His first band developed quite a loyal following in West Palm, recorded their first self-titled album, and hit the road for a short tour of the southeast. The pull of being at different stages in life led the original band to part ways in Florida, but Zach carried the music and the spirit with him. It was the beginning of something.
Zach began to pull from the corners of his life, to weave fact and fiction, to pound out melodies from the backs of memories, and as life took him north he chose to root the expression of his music in the south that had formed him, the faith that sustains him, and his friends. He stumbled upon a sound that is both soulful and penetrating.
Zach currently resides with his wife Stacy in Brooklyn and would tell you that his music represents the communities he has had the privilege to pass through, experience, and the ones he is still holding on to. His voice carries layers of Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Adam Duritz. The blend is refreshing and above all honest. Zach has formed a new band since arriving in New York. The band’s Americana folk sound drifts towards all out rock n roll at moments and Zach performs as if he is strapped to the front of a freight train. Zach and the band’s crowning achievement thus far is crafting a live show that is both approachable and yet coursing with adrenaline. You can dance to it too. It leaves you feeling like you have spent the evening hearing the stories of your close friends.
Zach brings an open and collaborative spirit to the music he makes. He invites listeners to come in and live for a while in his songs, to take what you can and leave what you will. His music is not complete without the people who shape it, the people who are shaped by it, and God who holds it all together.
your music amazes me! I'm at my lake cabin laying on the day bed overlooking the lake and listening to your music.. one of my best friends died in january and honestly, this is one of the first times I have truly felt relaxed and at peace. thank you for that.
Zach-The last track on Story Time.. HOLY CRAP! Genius! Everything sounds perfect.. I think your next album should just be Vocals and drums... INCLUDING COWBELL haha!
Thank you for the add! I bought Story Time on Tuesday and I can't stop listening to it. My favorite songs are 'Names That Fell', 'James', 'Fears', 'Take Care', and 'Lions and Dragons'. I hope you have a good weekend.
im thinking you guys should hit up cananda again :) preferrably ottawa, joely you are so blessed with an amazing voice, and the whole band you guys are extremely gifted. keeeep on inspiring and influencing!
I love the new version of "James" My best friend struggled with addiction and committed suicide back in 2005. His name was strangely enough, James, so the song is particularly moving to me. Great music, I love it all!
Hey Zach I love your music and can't wait for story time. I was wondering if you would consider posting the lyrics to your songs, I think it would help people connect to the songs even more. Thanks! Liz
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