Behind the Blue by Bob and Wendy

So I was hesitant, but I really like this recording! It has a bit of that sound to it, but Wendy Liepman is such a good songwriter and the performances as a whole are fabulous so the genre is really secondary. These are just great songs performed very well.

Wendy has a strong, but soft voice that is comforting and Bob's cello is a great addition.

One track that seems to stand out is "Still Small Voice". It's a catchy, slightly twangy tune with a melody that is hauntingly familiar. Wendy's voice shines and the simple sounding accompaniment is perfect.

I love the lyrics on "The Bed You Made": "You will never go to sleep in the bed you made/you just lie, lie, lie." Actually all these tracks have great lyrics.

I also am partial to "In the Thick of It". It's a tad dark and desperate, but it's beautiful with its dissonant underlying cello.

This is a great record and these songs will stick with you.

Review by Amy - Producer of Collected Sounds

--- ISWM INDIE PICK OF THE MONTH - This songwriting team operates in much the same way that many of their "national" counterparts do. Their music is well-suited to the current contemporary viewpoint, their look is natural yet trendy, and their sound is the kind of "tight" that you only get with experience and wisdom.

But what makes this album so special is the apparent harmony (real and implied) that permeates each song. There's a kind of spiritual chemistry, if you will, that just seeps into every nook and cranny. It's not a contrived connection between Wendy and Bob. It's just something magical that happens when they're making music. Whatever you want to call it, it WORKS on this album.

Independent Songwriter Web Magazine Feb 2002 issue http://www.independentsongwriter.com

--- Dear Bob and Wendy,

I just wanted to thank you again for your great album. I really enjoy your music and so do my listeners.

I'm very happy and proud to play your CD.

Keep It Country! NSEO 95.2 FM Paris, France

--- Hi folks. Still not sure when or how your CD "behind the blue" got to me, but wanted you to know that recently I listened to it, and then again, and then again. You'll be in rotation on my show for months to come. The show is "Folkways" on KUT, Austin. The songwriting is strong, and the arrangements, while sparse, very effective and catchy. "Jenevieve" is a bullet, with "Still Small Voice", "That Should Count", "Latest Flavor", and "Imagine That" not far behind. If you get back

to Austin, be sure to let me know so we might arrange an on-air visit.

Regards, and many thanks.... David Obermann / humbug@texas.net / Austin TX

--- Hello and welcome to the first installment of 'Bennett's Pick O' The Week'. My first Pick O' The Week' is a wonderful album of contemporary folk music. The album is "Behind The Blue" from San Luis Obispo husband-wife folk duo Bob and Wendy. This album is full of so many sweet little notes and beautifully sculpted songs that it really needs to be heard. Wendy's voice reverberates throughout this CD with an intense yet delicate tone. Her lyrics tore my heart out on the first listen. Backed by musical genius Bob Liepman on cello, mandolin, mandocello and vocal harmonies, the songs radiate with a special chemistry few folk artists achieve. I've given up on selecting a favorite song from the CD since it changes every day. But 'Jenevieve' and 'On Paper' seem to be permanently imbedded in my brain. But as I listened to this CD driving through the

rolling hills, pines and aspens in the Colorado countryside at a cool 8700 feet in elevation, I found myself lost in the beauty of this collection and the aspens and pines looked more astonishing with each note. Even the llamas at the llama farm I pass

everyday seem to perk up their ears as I passed. GET THIS CD!!! Five stars. "Now that should count for something, if you know what I mean."

Jason Bennett / Bennett's Pick O' The Week

--- I'm crazy about your CD, Behind the Blue. I'm on the FAR list and I host a program at two different stations (KWMR and KPFA). This is one of those records that caught my ear immediately..interesting, melodic, different in an engaging way... and needs to be heard.

Thanks, Kay Clements, host of Roadhouse Twang KWMR 90.5 FM / Point Reyes, CA

--- An interesting concept in alt.country land. A male/female team (maybe husband and wife, maybe sister and brother) that is not based on guitar and vocals, instead based on guitar, vocals, and stringed instruments cello, violin). What strikes you at first is the fragile, crystalline beauty of Wendy's voice - a surprising tone that, to me, could sound just as good accapella. Next up are the wonderful harmonies produced by both of them, harmonies that rival Buddy and Julie Miller and

even the Everlys. Even more remarkable are the songs. Timeless and classic, these songs have the feeling of being familiar yet new, like classics just written. This is a winner to me in all respects and it's hard to pick a standout but I would say the song Bed You Made is my personal fave. A delightful album that makes me anticipate their next one.

Scott Homewood Freight Train Boogie, www.freighttrainboogie.com / Santa Rosa, CA

--- Can't really tell you how much pleasure I've received from listening to"behind the blue" . . . I love it. In fact, I rated it as one of my top albums of 2001 for the Far Americana charts, despite the fact I've only had it for a couple weeks. I'm starting a new radio program in the next month or so, and I will be spinnin' the heck out of this record . . . it is so warm and true....just beautiful.

Gus T. Williker, www.hayrideshow.com / San Diego, CA

--- Behind The Blue is a Great CD. Charles Duncan's production is just wonderful, reminiscent of the best T-Bone urnett-subtle,unobtusive & lets the songs come to the forefront. Conservatively speaking, their are at least 4 or 5 classics on there-Genevieve, I Do-string arrangement is haunting..only maybe Sam Phillip's has done something that fine. Count For Something-unique idea-Latest Flavor.

Actually, though..I've seen you play on about 3 occasions..it wasn't until I just purchased this album that I realized how great you were. The dynamic duo, or is it the dastardly duo? have been the best local talent for several years, but this is on a totally different level.

Jeff Pascal

--- I found your CD on my desk today. Many thanks for that. I gave it a spin and liked it very very much. You're on the show next week ! And since it is examplary for the kind of music we like to promote on our show , we'll give it more of our attention in the weeks to come. Please keep us informed about your future activities.

Kind Regards,

Rolly Smeets / VRT - RADIO 1 / Kamer 3L42 / 1043 Brussels / Belgium

--- Keep It Country!

NSEO 95.2 FM

Paris, France

Dear Sir and Madam,

This short note to let you know that I received yesterday the CD "Behind The Blue" you kindly sent.

Thank you very much!

My favorite songs are:

- #1 Still Small Voice

- #4 That Should Count

- #7 Latest Flavor

I am enjoying the CD and I will surely be giving it airplay on my show.

Again, thank you. I'm very grateful.

All the best,

Mathias Andrieu / Keep It Country! / B.P. 6101 75061 Paris Cedex 02 France

--- just got done taping my show, and I was just thinking how nice your album is. Good solid, quality stuff. I'll definitely be playing it the next few months. Thanks for the message,

John Smith / WEBR, Fairfax, VA

--- I'm a DJ at KZSU 90.1 FM here at Stanford University. I heard your latest CD "Behind the Blue" and I really enjoyed it. Our "Americana" (country/bluegrass/folk) director reviewed your CD and gave it a solid review as well. His name is Bruce Ross, and he writes: "This is excellent folk music. I like the writing and the musicianship." (Our reviews tend to be to-the-point...

jack

--- I voted you guys number one on the 3rd Coast back in November I thought i wrote to you and , actually , thought

this may have been your response ! Hey really LOVE the disc and am playing it it is going into the library too! So the other DJs can get it !

GREAT Great stuff, really a gem of a recording !!

Thanks

Chris

--- I am not really sure when "behind the blue" arrived at the station. It was in a big pile of CD's that I had been behind in reviewing. I love music but sometimes listening to new CD's can become a bit tedious. Imagine my surprise when "behind the blue" hit the play mode. Y'all had me from the first line of "Still Small Voice" Innovative arrangements, solid songwriting & soaring harmonies, it made my day.It also made my Top 10 for Dec. on the FAR charts.

Thanks,

Dan Alloway-Folk Fury / KTEP-FM 88.5 / El Paso TX

--- "Bob and Wendy have been a coffee house favorite on the Central Coast for nearly a decade. The succinct duo of Bob on mandocello, cello and vocals, along with Wendy on guitar and with a voice that can make statues cry, have packed local java joints, book stores, record stores and back yards with their stunning music."

Frank Warren / Telegram-Tribune

--- "Bob and Wendy Liepman deliver hauntingly beautiful folk music. Wendy's voice is so clear it sounds almost otherworldly. Their clever musical arrangements make them even more fantastic."

Telegram-Tribune

--- "I have enjoyed (the CD) tremendously. In fact you are shuffling between Lyle Lovett, Gillian Welch, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan as I write. I am very impressed with the sound of the mix. It is quite stunning. Thank you so much."

Bob O'Brien / former owner of Big Music record store

--- "When Wendy Liepman opens her mouth, people listen. her voice lingers in the air like exotic perfume long after the last plaintive note is sung, which is why a Bob & Wendy concert feels lika a beautiful memory even before it's over - you know you'll take the experience with you."

Glen Starkey / New Times

BIO

When asked to describe her songwriting Wendy Liepman states, "Every song contains a grain of truth, although some of the names, genders and stories have been changed." Wendy wrote her first song "Endless Highway" at the age of ten, and continues to play her mother's 1944 Martin guitar. She grew up to the sound of 60's folk music; The Weavers, Kingston Trio, and later Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and the Beatles. Current influences include: Chrissie Hynde, Shawn Colvin and Kelly Willis.

After starting out on cello, Bob discovered a 1921 Gibson mandocello and joined an L.A. rock band. He became a founding member of the Venice Canaligators with Clyde "Hook" McGuire and made annual pilgrimages to New Orleans to play Mardi Gras.

Bob and Wendy met in Los Angeles in 1984 while performing music at a party thrown by Wendy's sister. On their first "official" date Wendy was prodded to pass the hat at a Canaligators gig! The Canaligators later played at Bob and Wendy's wedding.

In 1987 Bob and Wendy moved to San Luis Obispo, California. Since then, they have been involved in the local music scene, playing coffee houses, book stores, the KCBX Live Oak Music Festival, and the annual SLO Unplugged concert. They participated in the first San Luis Obispo First Night Celebration by performing in the Mission Church. Wendy's song "The Heart of SLO Town" was featured at the Grand Finale. Their first album, Plum Champagne was recorded in 1992. Vagabond for Beauty was released on CD in 1996 and has received regular airplay on KCBX public radio and KOTR FM. The song "Margaritte" was included in a CD that raised $18,000 for a local homeless shelter.

While in Austin, Texas where they performed at the 1997 Kerrville Music Festival, Bob and Wendy recorded four new songs at Congress House Studio. Their friend Michael Fracasso produced the sessions, bringing in some of Austin's finest musicians to play on the tracks. These sessions launched their album titled On the Spot, released in March 1999. Two of the songs won them a spot at the Emerging Songwriter showcase at the Napa Valley Music Festival the same year.

LOCALS CONNECTED BY THE MUSIC

Bob and Wendy's new CD, Behind the Blue, is a collaborative effort on the part of many of this community's local talent. About a year and a half ago, Bob Liepman was asked to play cello on a demo for singer-songwriter, Jude Johnstone. In the studio, Bob met fellow musician (and Johnstone's husband), Charles Duncan. Bob casually mentioned that Bob and Wendy were playing at a local club in a few weeks, and invited Duncan to stop by. Duncan did stop by, upon more than one occasion, and soon began accompanying the duo on his Ferrington resonator guitar. As Duncan became familiar with the music, he convinced the couple to give him a stab at producing Bob and Wendy's next album, and they accepted his offer enthusiastically.

Bob's other musical hat is as a member of the San Luis Obispo Chamber Orchestra, where he performs classical music. It was there that he first met violinist, Sal Garza. Garza, who also plays as part of local act, Belac and Posies, was wandering by Cisco's one afternoon while Bob and Wendy were performing, and it wasn't long before Garza's violin was added to the mix.

Many folks working in San Luis Obispo make an obligatory morning coffee pit stop at Linnaea's Café. Bob Liepman had been making the rounds there for years, which is where he met our story's next two characters, Robert Densham and Barry Goyette. Densham, a Cal Poly graphic arts professor, could often be found at Bob and Wendy performances, his ubiquitous sketchbook in hand. Bob admired Goyette's photography work, and so when it came time to choose a graphic artist and photographer for the project, the choices were obvious. (Two of Densham's sketches, of Duncan and Garza in action, appear in the album's jacket.)

The recording began at Sutton Sound in Atascadero, where Rick Sutton captured the warm sounds of violin, cello, mandocello, acoustic guitars, and Wendy's voice. Additional recording took place at Charles' studio in Cambria. Jude contributed backing vocals and additional photography. Charles added various guitar tracks, keyboards and percussion. Sal played violin and percussion.

Behind the Blue became the impetus for each of the participants to express their own distinct creative vision, while taking into consideration the theme and feel of Wendy's songs. The alchemy among the team members created a package that is indeed greater than the sum of its parts, although each part in itself is a work of art.

Average Customer Review: