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A perennial all-star and paragon of consistency, Bernie Williams patrolled centerfield for the New York Yankees starting in 1990 with grace and a certain coolness. A classically trained guitarist, he also gained renown within baseball circles as the sport's preeminent musician. Throughout the history of baseball there have been many major leaguers who have fancied themselves musicians. However, outside of Arthur Lee Maye, an outfielder who led a moderately successful doo-wop combo, the Crowes, in the '50s, and Scott Radinsky, a relief pitcher who fronted two highly regarded '90s punk bands, Ten Foot Pole and Pulley, most of these athletes' ambitions have generally been reserved, and rightfully so, for hobbies.
However, Williams's 2003 debut, THE JOURNEY WITHIN, a deft jazz record with an infusion of Latin themes, proves him an able guitarist in the tradition of Grant Green, as well as an impressive songwriter whose day job just happened to be baseball star. Williams-penned compositions such as "La Salsa En Mi," "Just Because," and "Enter the Bond" reveal him at home with all styles and paces, while his take on the classic-rock standard "Dust In The Wind" displays a keen ear for improvisation. Overall, a promising debut from a young lion who just coincidentally happened to be....
Recorded at Globe Studios, New York, New York.
Personnel: Bernie Williams (guitar, percussion); Mark Rivera (saxophone); Jerry Hey (flugelhorn); Bela Fleck (banjo); Hiram Williams (cello); John Thomas (piano, keyboards, string synthesizer); David Benoit (piano); Larry Williams (Fender Rhodes piano); David Sancious (keyboards); Tim Pierce, David Spinozza, Mike Alvarez (guitar); Leland Sklar, T-Bone Wolk (bass); Kenny Aronoff, Shawn Pelton (drums); Luis Conte, Bashiri Johnson (percussion); Ruben Blades, Gilberto Santa, B.J. Lequerica.
Personnel: Bernie Williams (guitar); Mike Alvarez (guitar); Béla Fleck (banjo); Hiriam Williams (cello); John Thomas (strings, piano); Mark Riviera (saxophone); Jerry Hey (flugelhorn); David Benoit (piano); Larry Williams (Fender Rhodes piano); David Sancious, John Thomas (keyboards); Kenny Aronoff , Shawn Pelton (drums); Luis Conte, Bashiri Johnson (percussion); B.J. Lequerica, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Rubén Blades (background vocals).
Audio Remixers: Paul Brown ; Bud Harner.
Liner Note Authors: Paul McCartney; Bernie Williams.
Recording information: Globe Studios, NY.
Photographer: Jorge Alvarez.
This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.Entertainment Weekly (7/25/03, p.73) - "...The Puerto Rico native proves a mighty fine guitarist--and composer--on JOURNEY, an infectious, jazzy mix of Latin-tinged instrumentals..." - Grade: B
Bernie Williams - Journey Within Songs
| 1 | Salsa en Mi, La | | | |
| 2 | Way | | | |
| 3 | Para Don Berna | | | |
| 4 | Desvelado | | | |
| 5 | Just Because | | | |
| 6 | Samba Novo | | | |
| 7 | Dust in the Wind  | | | |
| 8 | Stranded On the Bridge | | | |
| 9 | Bernie Jr. | | | |
| 10 | Enter the Bond | | | |
| 11 | And So It Goes | | | |
| 12 | Just Because | | | |
| 13 | Williams Kids | | | |
Journey Within Music Review
Average Rating: (4.6 out of 5 stars)    List All 8 Reviews Surprisingly Delightful!
This Cd was a pleasant surprise of music from the NY Yankees centerfielder. The first song is fantastic! The rest of the music is like Bernie's personality at times... smooth, subdued, and full of "quiet" emotion. The guitar playing is very clean and many of the the songs have some great melodies. I would have liked to hear more "upbeat" songs...but overall, it was a good purchase!
Submitted by a reviewer (Chepachet, RI, USA) 
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 Wow
This CD soothes your soul. Not only is the music fantastic, the instrumentation is incredible. Bernie is obviously an accomplished musician. Easy listening that wraps a warm blanket around you - it's a must!!
Submitted by bishop (British Columbia, Canada)
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A man of many talents...
Being a loyal Yankee fan I was impressed to hear that Bernie played classical guitar and greatly looked forward to hearing it for myself.
It is beautifully done, expressing an element of fun, sensitivity, genuine passion, obvious professionalism, thoughtfulness, great creativity and vision.
Play on, Bernie, play on!
Submitted by a reviewer (Windsor, VT, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Bernie Wiilams
A fine CD from a guy with a great day job. It's very well thought out...congratulations!
Gary Evans (a non-Yankee fan)
Submitted by a reviewer (Scranton, PA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No This CD hits a homerun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want a great Cd with some baseball elements in it, then you need to buy this CD. I did not know Bernie Wilson was so good at the trumpet.
Submitted by a reviewer (Brooklyn , NY)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No List All Reviews | Have you heard this album? |  |
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