WILLIAMS FRIESTEDT – Williams Friestedt
- Posted on 09-06-2011
One of the shimmering vocalists for Toto Joseph Williams graces us with his powerhouse talent on this new 9 song studio release. Teaming up with guitarist, producer, and composer Peter Friestedt (LA Project), you’ll also get guest appearances from renowned session guitarist Tommy Denander, former Chicago vocalist Bill Champlin, Randy Goodrum and Bill Cantos to name just a few of the musicians. Songs like “Swear Your Love”, “Where To Touch You” and the AOR harmony gem “Stay With Me” lift the spirits and delight all of us who love melodic rock with energy and great songwriting sensibilities.
Where Joseph showcases his veteran chops is a song like “One More Night”, especially in the willingness to hold back and then reach out during the chorus to ascend to the higher notes 99% of the singers wish they could hit with the same sustain and conviction. Musically Peter plays more in line with the West Coast AOR sound, although he can get a little sultry and funky on a track like “Gotta Find It” that allows for more of a playful side which allows the listener to enjoy a different side to their favorite artists.
Taking part in the latest 2011 Toto shows over the summer, it’s excellent to hear Joseph still has the same majestic pipes we first heard during the 1980’s, and “Williams Friestedt” hopefully will not be the last we hear of these gentlemen working together in the AOR/ melodic rock scope.