Bill Ireland

Bill is adept in an usually wide range of styles, from jazz and folk to rock and country. He's performed with big bands and small groups in every conceivable genre. But when he performs solo, you'll get the intimate sounds of his heart, expressed through his seasoned voice and burnished guitar skills. His repertoire includes original compositions written to glorify God, or express love to his wife; also great songs from other composers that have the same purpose. You might hear echoes of James Taylor, Gil Scott-Heron, Milton Nascimiento, Antonio Carlos Jobim or Mose Allison--all of whom have influenced his music. But most of all, you'll get an original talent with a unique musical voice.

Bill Ireland's life in music began in the early '60s when he picked up a guitar and joined his brother in a surf-rock band. Over the next several years his interests progressed through rock, rhythm and blues and folk music. He also began finding his voice as a songwriter. As part of the Jesus Movement in the '70s, Bill led several contemporary Christian groups which performed in churches, on radio and on television. He also fell in love with jazz and the Great American Songbook, which have informed his music ever since. He studied arranging at the Los Angeles Jazz Workshop, guitar at Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT), and voice through private instruction.

In recent years, Bill has worked as a solo artist, with big bands and small groups, and as a church worship leader. He's had the privilege of playing alongside many prominent artists in the jazz and Christian music worlds.

His repertoire includes his own compositions as well as Christian classics, and pop and jazz standards. He's available for concerts, weddings, church services, funerals, garage sales, street fights and other events.