Witmer, Denison

'Following up "The '80's EP", Denison Witmer's second full length, "Of Joy & Sorrow" finds him continuing in a time-honored tradition delivering strong, introspective confessionals without a hint of cynicism or pretension. While Witmer's music is rooted in the folk tradition, and while fans have been drawn to his strong vocal style and impeccable taste for simple guitar work, "Of Joy & Sorrow" demonstrates that Wittmer's ear bends far beyond genre lines. Here are ten hones songs with all the makings of great pop tunes, without losing an ounce of conviction that has always been Witmer's greatest hook. Helping on "Of Joy & Sorrow" are Don and Karen Peris (Innocence Mission), Benjamin Brubaker (Pedro the Lion) and Daniel French (Ran Away to Sea). The results come together and make Witmer's new record stand out as his best to date.

'Originally released in 1998, Denison Witmer's "River Bends" contains two songs from his early 1998 debut CD, "Safe Away" (produced by Don Peris of Innocence Mission) and three tracks recorded specifically for this EP. Long out-of-print, Burnt Toast Vinyl has re-issued "River Bends" with special artwork and special digipak packaging. The five tracks on "River Bends" showcase Witmer's songwriting talent, spinning lyrics of nostalgia, love, longing, and broken heartedness. His third full length, "Philadelphia Songs" will be released by Burnt Toast Vinyl this Autumn. Digipak/Box Lot-50

The sound of The Ones Who Wait indicates a new maturity in Denison's musical career, a subtle sense of confidence in his voice and music. His guitar and voice sit front and center in the sound, evoking a melodic warmth reminiscent of 70s-era singer-songwriters.

'On "Philadelphia Songs", Denison Witmer paints a haunting and beautiful picture of memories, people, and places. "Philadelphia Songs" features a host of guest musicians and Philadelphians as well as members of The Six Parts Seven (Suicide Squeeze Records). The instrumentation is rich and deep, adding an ambient feel to Witmer's songs that have not been fully explored until this, his third album. "Philadelphia Songs" was, of course, recorded in Philadelphia at home by friend Scott French and at Soundgun studios by Edan Cohen (Songs: Ohia, Jim & Jenny & the Pinetops. Denison has been touring throughout 2002 and will go on tour in September to vigorously support "Philadelphia Songs". Digipak/Box Lot-30