Turpin gets his Way with new band, CD and tour

Hot on the heels of a national tour with Collective Soul and a year after his debut solo EP, musician Will Turpin is headed into the studio with a new band for his first full-length CD, Serengeti Drivers.

Beginning Oct. 8, Will Turpin and The Way will enter Real 2 Reel Studios in Jonesboro, Ga., to craft their first studio effort. Co-produced by Turpin and Jonathan Beckner, the work will include almost a dozen new tunes.

“You’ll hear elements of a lot of different musical influences,” Turpin said. “Some Beatle-esque songs, some rockin’ numbers, and some real laid back stuff. The vocal mix of the three singers will be smooth enough to savor with a glass of wine or kick up your heels with a beer.”

In addition to Turpin (keyboards and vocals) the band lineup includes Jason Fowler (guitar and vocals), Mark Wilson (bass and vocals) and Scott Davidson (drums).

Some of the lyrical themes focus on love, honesty, betrayal and questions revolving around the universe. Turpin said seven of the songs were co-written by Fowler, an Atlanta-based musician and friend.

“A lot of times I have an idea for a song that is not finished or is halfway complete and Jason is able to help me out with a riff or a vocal melody or theme,” Turpin said. “Then there are times when we can create something right on the spot. We’re a good team.”

Turpin also received songwriting support from his wife Donna on a tune called “On And On” which was inspired by her recent cancer scare; a topic that Turpin went public with in June.

“It’s a song about the strength of love and how love never really dies because it goes on and on,” Turpin said. “Donna actually helped me finish the lyrics to the chorus and that was special for both of us.”  Other song titles include “Either Side Of The Sun”, “Let It Go”, “Belong”, “Tomorrow”, “Faith, Hope, Love”, “One And Done” and “Nothing Without.”

Once Serengeti Drivers is released in 2013, Will Turpin and The Way will embark on a tour with dates to be announced next year.

This year, Turpin’s version of “What Child Is This?” will appear on A Rock By The Sea Christmas:Volume Three, a charity CD series set for release on Oct. 16. Net proceeds from the 13-song holiday compilation will benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program in Orlando, Fla.

Turpin’s other group, Collective Soul, is a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Collective Soul has attained seven No. 1 songs and 19 Top 40 singles, making them one of the most successful bands of the 1990s. They are planning a 20^th anniversary tour and boxed set CD package in 2014. 

For updates on Will Turpin and the Way, visit http://www.facebook.com/WillTurpinMusic?fref=ts  

Turpin headlines Nov. 5 benefit to honor fallen niece

When Atlanta rocker Will Turpin takes to the stage next week to headline a benefit concert, he'll be playing for someone who can't be there - his recently deceased niece, Kensley Grace Kirby.

The veteran bassist for Collective Soul will top the bill of The KG Music Fest on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, at Southside Steve's, 715 Industrial Blvd., McDonough. The 2 p.m. show also features Collective Soul guitarist Joel Kosche, Abel, Rawls & Hayes, Reluctant Saints and Eleven Standing Still.

Turpin will be using his celebrity status to help to raise funds for the Kensley Grace Aquatic Center. The proposed swimming facility is named after his 5-year-old niece, who died June 8 after she was taken to a McDonough family medical clinic to get treated for a broken arm. She died after a lethal dose of local anesthesia was given to her at the clinic, an Atlanta coroner confirmed.

"Kensley’s death was a big blow to our entire family and it has changed all of our lives. She loved swimming and we're going to use the money we raise to build a nice aquatic facility in Henry County," Turpin said. "The sadness that Kensley's tragic death has exposed will never be repaired but we are trying to put energy towards something that is positive to balance out all of the negative."

Turpin said Kensley enjoyed both soccer and swimming and had expressed an interest in joining the S.M.A.R.T. (Smart Motivated Athletic Respectful and Teammate) swim team. Her eight-year-old sister, Avonlea, is also a member of the team.

A Facebook group called Kensley Grace Aquatic Center has been created and a fund-raising team has been established. Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Kensley Grace Memorial Fund at Ameris Bank, located at 135 North Park Place, Suite 250, Stockbridge.

Turpin said competitive swimmers in Henry County currently don't have a proper sized pool to train and must travel to neighboring counties to compete. He hopes to rectify that situation by raising money through Saturday's benefit.

"A local land owner has approached us about donating land for the aquatic center," Turpin said. "We've turned a major corner and the rest is up to us to come through for these kids."

Fans will be treated to a rare solo appearance by Turpin, who will be playing songs from his new EP, The Lighthouse (Gooey Music, 2011) and a few from Collective Soul. He added that the other musicians on the bill would be joining him for an all-star jam at the end of the evening.

For more information on the Kensley Grace Aquatic Center, visit www.kensleygrace.com

For more information about the KG Music Fest, call Southside Steve's at 678-814-4126 or visit www.southsidesteves.com


What: KG Music Fest benefit featuring Will Turpin
Where: Southside Steve's, 715 Industrial Blvd., McDonough
When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2 to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10
Information: 678-814-4126 or www.southsidesteves.com