Fill Me Up

Description

Fill Me Up is the sole album by the British alternative worship project The Wesley Brothers fronted by singer/songwriter Graham Ord, released in UK on Alliance Music in 1995. (Originally a self-released cassette-only effort, later picked up by Alliance Music.) The album was recorded and mixed by Martin Smith of Delirious fame at West Park Studios in Littlehampton, England; with Smith and the band producing. All songs written by Graham Ord.

The Wesleys features Leslie Wesley (a.k.a. Graham Ord) on vocals, guitar, mandolin, and mouth harp, Hormone Wesley (a.k.a. Adam Dickens) on electric piano (with Tim Jupp of Delirious fame sitting in on tracks 1 and 10), Elvis Wesley (a.k.a. Dave Moore) on bass and backing vocals, and Sven Wesley (a.k.a. Jari Sempill of Kainos fame) on drums and percussion.

The Wesley Brothers (independent, cassette-only release)

This is the best thing I’ve heard this year. Graham Ord (Lesley Wesley) has been making music for years and a lot of people have been waiting for this recording to appear. It was produced by Martin Smith (Cutting Edge) and features a guest appearance from Kevin Prosch on «Fill Me Up». It is clear to see the influence of Dylan, Clapton and Dire Straits in the music and, in these times when most Christian singers seem to sound like Michael Bolton, it is an added blessing that Graham has the benefit of a very unusual voice. The closest comparison I could make would be Willie Nelson. His songs about life, love and Jesus are clearly written from the perspective of one who has been through bitter experience. That is why the music is intelligent and mature and yet so joyful. The album concept (loosely moulded on the Travelling Wilburys) is witty and well executed and I note the sleeve credit: “The Wesley Brothers appear courtesy of their beautiful wives.” Buy it! [Peter Smith, Cross Rhythms, April 1995]

When reviewed as a private release in CR26 under the title The Wesley Brothers’ this wonderful fusion of retro-pop and rock and worshipful sensibilities gained a glowing review. Now here it is repackaged and in the Christian bookshops. A particular standout is the title track with guest vocalist Kevin Prosch with mellow laid-back playing. Influences abound: Travelling Willburies, Dire Straits, Clapton, etc, etc but clever ol’ producer Martin Smith always keeps the nods to mainstream giants under control. The Wesleys are now a four-piece (they were a duo when CR interviewed them in issue 17) and you’d be hard put to find a better one. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, October 1995]

Fill Me Up (The Wesley Sessions)

For over ten years Graham Ord was lead singer and primary songwriter with the innovative UK band ‘The Wesley Brothers’. The Wesley’s were forerunners in Britain, taking worship into the pubs and clubs in an era when very few bands dared to venture out of the safety of the Christian scene. They recorded this classic CD towards the close of their time together. This fine collection of twelve of his songs includes the original version of the worship classic «The Lord is Gracious and Compassionate». The title track, «Fill Me Up» features a fabulous duet with Kevin Prosch. ‘Fill Me Up’ was also co-produced with Martin Smith of Delirious. It has been digitally re mastered and re released in North America. [Note featured on Bandcamp]

CD tracklist:

01. Ain’t It Obvious? – 3:42
02. Strong Love – 4:28
03. Fill Me Up – 5:25
04. Can’t Do Anything But Love You – 4:26
05. Life Is Going So Well – 4:09
06. Why Can’t We Talk About It? – 4:03
07. Through The Bottom Of A Glass – 4:20
08. Bitter Experience – 3:34
09. Rich In Love – 4:01
10. Precious Friend – 5:04
11. Intimacy – 4:55
12. Gracious And Compassionate – 6:57

Note: Released on both cassette and CD. The album was digitally remastered and re-issued by Graham Ord in 2003 on his label KnewSense, entitled Fill Me Up: The Wesley Sessions and featuring new cover artwork. Available at Bandcamp: https://knewsenserecords.bandcamp.com/album/fill-me-up-the-wesley-sessions

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Graham Ord, Fill Me Up: The Wesley Sessions (KnewSense Records 2003)