Cirrus Bay music is the brainchild of multi-talented keyboardist Bill Gilliam. This is very melodic progressive rock with lots of chord changes, with slight influences of early Genesis O(Tony Banks), Anthony Phillips, Camel, and Renaissance among others, and at other times, quite unique in a plassic 70's proggy way. Emphasis is on melody, while still being complex.
The roots of Cirrus Bay began in the late 1990s with Bill Gillham and Chelsey Mann, where Chelsey would handle all the vocals and Bill would play all the instruments. They played shows and recorded several songs before Chelsea left, and was replaced by Sharra Acle. Around this time, other similar artists began to infiltrate the 'keep rock dumb' school, sneaking songs with surprising chords and instrumental breaks into the mix of things. During one show, Mark Blasco was present, and offered to do a cd. They recorded a number of songs over a few years, with Alex Brighenti and Anisha Gillham adding vocals as well. Some of these songs, as well as a few recorded at Dave Croston's home made up the first Cirrus Bay album 'The Slipping Of A Day'.
The 2nd cd 'A Step Into Elsewhere' is a more focused endeavor, recorded in just a few months, rather than over a few years.
Recording for the 3rd cd, 'Whimsical Weather' occured based on sales of previous cds, often rushed. It was finished in the Spring of 2012. But the bank financed the 4th cd, 'The Search For Joy', so more time could be taken, and with Mark Blasco's co-production, this cd enjoys a higher quality sound than previous cds. All 8 songs for 'The Search For Joy' finl mix was ccomplished on March 1, 2014.
In 2015, Cirrus Bay icontributed a 9-minute instrumental piece of music to 'The Decameron Tales' volume 3, which is a various artists project.
Recording underway for 2016 release, 'Places Unseen', due for release in August, in time for fall to reflect the mood of the new music. This album was much more instrumental than previous releases, but also incorporated a new singer, Tai Shan, who has an excellent solo album of her own.
Bill wrote recently: "While it's true I have a lot of solo piano music written that I enjoy playing at home and for friends, I think I would like to do an album that included both solo piano music and full scale instrumental music."
Links:
Discography:
Places Unseen (2016)
The Search For Joy CD (2014)
Whimsical Weather CD (2012)
A Step into Elsewhere CD (2009)
Slipping Of A Day (2008)
