William Topley
William Topley, born and bred in England, nurtured on a diet of blues and rock and roll, has been building a seriously dedicated fan base in the U.S. ever since the release of Prince of the Deep Water in 1991, his first album with his band The Blessing. Producer Neil Dorfsman (Sting, Dire Straits) described him as “the most original songwriter I’ve heard for years.” The influences, still recognizable in his music, were already there – The Stones, Van Morrison, the best of soul and southern rock. Topley was on his way. The album catapulted The Blessing into a world tour, videos in Jamaica, TV stations in Paris and hockey stadiums in Germany with Simply Red and Level 42.
Legendary Rolling Stones Producer Jimmy Miller, who produced The Blessing’s second album Locusts and Wild Honey, was equally enthusiastic. “They’re right up my alley. I haven’t had such a good relationship with a band since Traffic.”
Ever looking for new challenges, Topley decided to go solo for his next album, the atmospheric Black River. And again the fan base grew. Producer Barry Beckett said of Topley: “He’s the best singer I’ve ever heard.” Not bad, coming from a guy who’s worked with Aretha Franklin and Paul Simon.
Next came Mixed Blessing, on which Topley worked with guitarist/songwriter Dominic Miller, best known for his work with Sting. “It’s only a matter of time,” says Dominic about Topley. “Watch this space!”
Last year’s album, Spanish Wells, saw Topley straight off a US tour and straight into the studio. For the first time, Topley blended the premeditated songwriting process with the excitement of live musicians making it all happen. “It took me until now to understand the cryptic comment ’It’s all in the joy of discovery,’ that Jimmy [Miller] made years ago,” says Topley.
And this is what Feasting with Panthers is about. The songs, written on and off the road, are a journey of discovery, painted against a big sky
