John Flynn With Bill Welch

The open heartedness and resonant decency in John Flynn's work have made him an era of deep division. His songs call us together as they speak for the wounded, the weary, and the afflicted; for the prisoner, the soldier, and all the forgotten ones who walk unseen in our midst. Fusing the vision of an activist with the unblinking eye of a truth-teller, John Flynn's music speaks deeply to the heart and the spirit. A wordsmith and poet of rare clarity, he evokes our shared humanity as he addresses the times we live in through songs that resound with awareness, irony, humor and compassion.

Singer Songwriter, Bill Welch, is a gifted musician with a soulful voice, and a talent for surrounding himself with experienced musicians and voices that collectively shape his music into a unique style. There is a sincerity about Bill's writing, and a spirited expression in his singing, that seems to move people. It is easy to find a personal connection to Bill's lyrics, for what he writes for his audience exalts his spirit as well. Bill Welch's music embodies the craft of songwriting in its most personal and spiritual forms. He writes from the heart with humility, compassion and gratitude in a way that resonates with his growing audience. For more than thirty years Bill's music has been the uplifting soundtrack that inspires our lives.

The Bill Welch Band's musical style are blended influences of gospel, rock, jazz, folk, pop, latin, and R&B, and regardless of topic, the messages in Bill's songs are positive. Instrumental improvisation and sensitive ensemble musicianship are hallmarks of the group's dynamic sound. In 2000, they released their debut CD, At The Water's Edge. These songs continue to be follower's favorites, and the first of Bill's songs to get regular airplay on WJZR 105.9. In 2003, the band released a Christmas CD, Love Was Born. A beautiful tribute with a playlist of both originals and a few holiday classics made new with fresh arrangements. In 2005, Bill released Lifesong, a powerful and contemplative expression of love and faith in a magnificently arranged set of recordings that remind us to hope.

More recently, Bill and the band pulled up the old songs from their earliest gigs together, and performed a live recording for their latest release, Roots. Just as its name would imply, this music goes back to where they started together. A disc that showcases the individual talents of the band, and reminds you this band ROCKS!

Beyond his published albums, Bills work as a songwriter is constantly changing and evolving, moving with the spirit that inspires him. Rooted in a perspective of faith for the world, his sound and lyrics speak in ways that encourage love and community, outreach and compassion. To God be the glory.

Born and raised in Western New York, Bill lives in Rochester, New York with his wife Kathleen, and their two daughters, Hayden and Maggie.