Big Rapids, MI: Jensen Family Reunion

The Big Rapids Jensens are second cousins of mine (with varying degrees of removal), and two years ago one asked me if I would pen a tune about the family farm outside of town as a gift to the clan. No one lives on the property presently, and those who did (a long generation older than me) remember very tough times, but a spirit of 'this place won't go to seed on my watch' persists, and the 120 acres have thus become a wonderful play-spot for the youngest generation of Jensens (et al - for a delightfully loose criteria for 'family' also pervades). I sifted through various cousins' journals and thoughts on the place and emerged with "On My Watch," which I recorded on "By the Side of the Lake." Playing it on-site was, in a word, special.

5-Star Review of 'Lake' - more

Wildy's World, an independent music blog from one Wildy Haskell in upstate New York, has published a five-star review of "By the Side of the Lake"--some highlights:

Seattle singer/songwriter Wes Weddell is not only a jewel of the Emerald City's musical crown; he's also one of the biggest boosters of DIY music in the American Northwest. Aside from winning songwriting awards, recording 3 critically acclaimed albums and working as an in-demand session and side-man, Wes Weddell also established a not-for-profit organization, Puget's Sound Productions, to assist in the development of community live music spaces in the Northwest as well as supporting independent musicians in pursuing their craft. The idea of a folk singer/songwriter as Renaissance Man may be hard to get your head around, but Weddell breaks the mold. His latest album, By The Side Of The Lake, features Weddell's masterful story-telling style and distinctive character voices against the backdrop of musical arrangements that simply won't leave you alone...

If it wasn't apparent before now, By The Side Of The Lake makes it abundantly clear that Wes Weddell is a master craftsman as a songwriter. Weddell's easy going delivery and simple mien make him instantly likeable, whether on CD/MP3 or on stage. Weddell has attracted a crack band over time, but it's the singer/songwriter himself that keeps people coming back again and again. By The Side Of The Lake brings folk music back to its roots; telling true stories about real people and places. Weddell will make you laugh and make you cry; inspire anger and thoughtfulness. He'll entertain and educate you with his songs if only you will listen. Like the great bards of olden times, an encounter with Wes Weddell will leave you a little richer in mind and spirit than when you started. By The Side Of The Lake is a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc; a must-have album.


'Lake' has also gathered reviews from a couple of Dutch Americana websites: altcountryforum.nl and altcountry.nl.

New Full-Band Video

Several songs from April's full-band CD Release concert have found their way to the WW YouTube site--enjoy!

'Lake' charts!

Having yet to make my for-real radio push, I am tickled to see By the Side of the Lake pop up on this week's Roots Music Report Folk charts: #4 in Washington State, and #40 overall!

Seattle, WA: Nectar Lounge (Full-Band CD Release!)

What a celebration! Thanks to all who came out, Nectar, the WW Band (Alicia Healey, Brian Hoskins, Dave Bush, Erin Kreiger, Amanda Monger)... Fun to play "By the Side of the Lake" start-to-finish, even with the hassle of lugging around three extra instruments for one song each (ooh, look at how many things I can play!--and none're as heavy as anything I made Brian schlep, particularly that Rhodes...). Onward and outward...

'Lake' on iTunes, more

By the Side of the Lake hit iTunes mere moments ago, and continues to seep out through various other digital media outlets, etc.--right on schedule with tonight's full-band Seattle release concert!

It's Here! - New CD, "By the Side of the Lake" - Seattle release concert April 11

At long last, "By the Side of the Lake" has arrived in tangible CD form! It'll start making its way out to some radio stations this week, and should appear on iTunes and a host of other digital media outlets before too terribly long. A copy, of course, can be yours with just a few clicks of the mouse at www.wesweddell.com, which is sporting a brand new look in conjunction with the release.

The full 'WW Band' will also be on-hand for a special release concert April 11 at Nectar in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood (bandmate and 'Lake' co-producer Alicia Healey will open the show). Truth-be-told, we're awfully excited!

* April 11 (Sun) - 8:00pm
Seattle, WA: Nectar Lounge
412 N 36th St.; (206) 632-2020
Advance Tickets (21+)
Full-band CD release concert for "By the Side of the Lake"
Featuring: Alicia Healey; Brian Hoskins; Dave Bush; Erin Kreiger; Amanda Monger
- Alicia Healey opens -

By the Side of the Lake - Lyrics

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