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For Bill Griese ’91, a New Year’s resolution sparked a chain of events that led to the release of his debut compact disc, For This Day.
The album, a compilation of 12 original acoustic guitar-based songs, sold more than 300 copies since hitting the market in early January.
“All of the songs are personal, and a couple even stem from my college days,” explains Griese, a resident of Littletown, Colo. “It is an interesting mix because it covers 12 years of songwriting styles.”
On occasion, Griese is a one-man-band, but many of his songs incorporate musicians on bass, drums, electric guitar, piano, cello, and other instruments. The album features three songs written in collaboration with Dave Hammer ‘92, an assistant district attorney in Manhattan, and a duet with Mary Huckins of the acoustic trio Dakota Blonde.
Griese, who admits to being a “closet musician” during his college years, is now playing in a number of Denver venues and performs at private parties. For This Day is being sold in Colorado music shops and at www.billgriese.com.
“When you’re playing for yourself, it’s fun, creative, and rewarding,” he says. “But, when you’re actually in the business, it’s even better because you meet an astounding number of talented people who have a real passion for music.”
Griese, a former employee of marketing communications firm McCann Erickson, continues to freelance for advertising agencies.
“I can maintain professional ties by freelancing, and it gives me the flexibility to pursue my dreams,” he explains. “I have the best of both worlds.”
Griese recalls his Lafayette experience as being well balanced and culturally rich. “I was fortunate enough to find great friends who are still great friends today,” he says. “There was a tremendous importance placed on academic excellence and hard work, but there was a great social atmosphere too. The college was small enough to not be intimidating and large enough to offer all I needed.”
Bill Griese ’91