Skip Friel
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Skip Friel

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States | INDIE

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States | INDIE
Band Americana Singer/Songwriter

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Press


"Fresh Tracks by Hampton Roads Musicians"

Skip Friel "Passage." Virginia Beach singer-songwriter Skip Friel knows that music isn't a footrace. While he's been performing on and off for decades, "Passage" is just his second solo album. His first was 2007's "Twilight Red Sky." Polished and thoughtfully constructed, "Passage" benefits from Friel's patient attention to detail. His good-natured songs fit comfortably into the modern singer-songwriter format. Hammond organ swells and bursts of fiddle lend support to sturdy melodies. Acoustic guitars ring pleasantly atop a firm rhythmic foundation. Friel's deep, textured voice reminds me of a mellow Robert Earl Keen or a countrified Graham Parker. Of course, too much competence can be as dangerous as too little. Friel's album could not be described as lively. Relaxed would be more on target. Highlights include "Harvest of Love," the Celtic-tinged "Another Island" and "Dose of Hope," which extols the wisdom of not sweating the small stuff. "All the fruit will fall to the ground one day," Friel sings. "It'll grow again without us anyway ... you let go and the world did not unwind." - The Daily Press, July 2012


"Fresh Tracks by Hampton Roads Musicians"

Skip Friel "Passage." Virginia Beach singer-songwriter Skip Friel knows that music isn't a footrace. While he's been performing on and off for decades, "Passage" is just his second solo album. His first was 2007's "Twilight Red Sky." Polished and thoughtfully constructed, "Passage" benefits from Friel's patient attention to detail. His good-natured songs fit comfortably into the modern singer-songwriter format. Hammond organ swells and bursts of fiddle lend support to sturdy melodies. Acoustic guitars ring pleasantly atop a firm rhythmic foundation. Friel's deep, textured voice reminds me of a mellow Robert Earl Keen or a countrified Graham Parker. Of course, too much competence can be as dangerous as too little. Friel's album could not be described as lively. Relaxed would be more on target. Highlights include "Harvest of Love," the Celtic-tinged "Another Island" and "Dose of Hope," which extols the wisdom of not sweating the small stuff. "All the fruit will fall to the ground one day," Friel sings. "It'll grow again without us anyway ... you let go and the world did not unwind." - The Daily Press, July 2012


"Q&A With Americana Band The Resonators"

“the band plays covers as well as originals written by Friel” - Virginian-Pilot, Feb. 15th, 2007


"Q&A With Americana Band The Resonators"

“the band plays covers as well as originals written by Friel” - Virginian-Pilot, Feb. 15th, 2007


"Poking Some Fun at Virginia Beach"

Local fans should especially appreciate one of Friel’s tracks, ‘Virginia Beach Blues.’ - The Beacon, June 10th, 2007


"Poking Some Fun at Virginia Beach"

Local fans should especially appreciate one of Friel’s tracks, ‘Virginia Beach Blues.’ - The Beacon, June 10th, 2007


"New Generation Folk - Friends of Friel"

Things are looking up for singer/songwriter Skip Friel.
"I might have found a friend in radio," says Friel. "For the last two Sundays, on his show ‘Acoustic Highway,’ Barry Graham has played several songs off my CD, Twilight Red Sky."
Graham, who is the folk music producer at 89.5FM WHRV said, "There’s a raw emotion to Skip Friel’s songwriting and performance. I was immediately impressed with the depth to which his music was able to resonate with me…Twilight Red Sky is one of my picks for 2007."
Friel has a number of dates this month including Friday, July 13 at Crazy Wing Cantina, in Chesapeake and Friday, July 20, at the Green Parrot Grille, in Chick’s Beach.
- Port Folio Weekly, July 10th, 2007


"New Generation Folk - Friends of Friel"

Things are looking up for singer/songwriter Skip Friel.
"I might have found a friend in radio," says Friel. "For the last two Sundays, on his show ‘Acoustic Highway,’ Barry Graham has played several songs off my CD, Twilight Red Sky."
Graham, who is the folk music producer at 89.5FM WHRV said, "There’s a raw emotion to Skip Friel’s songwriting and performance. I was immediately impressed with the depth to which his music was able to resonate with me…Twilight Red Sky is one of my picks for 2007."
Friel has a number of dates this month including Friday, July 13 at Crazy Wing Cantina, in Chesapeake and Friday, July 20, at the Green Parrot Grille, in Chick’s Beach.
- Port Folio Weekly, July 10th, 2007


"Radio, Radio"

Skip Friel continues to hear material from his "Twilight Red Sky" spun on Barry Graham's "Acoustic Highway" program on WHRV.
"I might have found a friend in radio," said Friel. "For the last two Sundays, Graham has played several songs off my CD."
Also, music from Friel's CD is being used in an ad for the Back Bay Restoration Foundation Fundraiser (the 22nd Annual Flyway Feast, June 23rd).
Friel says the songs are used as background music. One such ad is scheduled Sunday morning during the "Sunrise On Sunday" acoustic radio show on BOB FM.
- HamptonRoads.com June 16th, 2007


"Radio, Radio"

Skip Friel continues to hear material from his "Twilight Red Sky" spun on Barry Graham's "Acoustic Highway" program on WHRV.
"I might have found a friend in radio," said Friel. "For the last two Sundays, Graham has played several songs off my CD."
Also, music from Friel's CD is being used in an ad for the Back Bay Restoration Foundation Fundraiser (the 22nd Annual Flyway Feast, June 23rd).
Friel says the songs are used as background music. One such ad is scheduled Sunday morning during the "Sunrise On Sunday" acoustic radio show on BOB FM.
- HamptonRoads.com June 16th, 2007


"2008 Local Music Awards"

Hundreds of local musicians and fans turned up at the Granby Theater in downtown Norfolk last Thursday for the third annual Port Folio Weekly Local Music Awards. It was, as one of our staff members put it the next day, a "kick-booty show." Acoustic/Folk and Album of the Year nominees Skye Zentz and Skip Friel stole the show with their quirky version of Hall & Oates’ "Maneater," featuring Friel on acoustic guitar and Zentz on ukulele (and decked out in full-on funky Material Girl regalia). - Port Folio Weekly


"2008 Local Music Awards"

Hundreds of local musicians and fans turned up at the Granby Theater in downtown Norfolk last Thursday for the third annual Port Folio Weekly Local Music Awards. It was, as one of our staff members put it the next day, a "kick-booty show." Acoustic/Folk and Album of the Year nominees Skye Zentz and Skip Friel stole the show with their quirky version of Hall & Oates’ "Maneater," featuring Friel on acoustic guitar and Zentz on ukulele (and decked out in full-on funky Material Girl regalia). - Port Folio Weekly


"Music Awards"

Skip Friel has done a lot for Folk Music in the area (Eastern Virginia) and is a great player. - Veer Magazine, January 2012


"Music Awards"

Skip Friel has done a lot for Folk Music in the area (Eastern Virginia) and is a great player. - Veer Magazine, January 2012


"New Music"

"Virginia Beach singer/songwriter Skip Friel uses his ten-track CD, "Twilight Red Sky," to take listeners down the back roads of Americana. .... Friel's guitar work is exceptional. His voice recalls the tone and phrasing Randy Newman, Leonard Cohen and, at times, Van Morrison. The mix of guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, pedal steel and violin is nearly perfect .... If radio station The Coast were still around, "Twilight Red Sky" would be a natural for heavy play list rotation." - Virginian-Pilot, Jan. 19th, 2007


"New Music"

"Virginia Beach singer/songwriter Skip Friel uses his ten-track CD, "Twilight Red Sky," to take listeners down the back roads of Americana. .... Friel's guitar work is exceptional. His voice recalls the tone and phrasing Randy Newman, Leonard Cohen and, at times, Van Morrison. The mix of guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, pedal steel and violin is nearly perfect .... If radio station The Coast were still around, "Twilight Red Sky" would be a natural for heavy play list rotation." - Virginian-Pilot, Jan. 19th, 2007


"Making Air Waves"

"Acoustic-pop artist Skip Friel, no stranger to local radio…” - Virginian-Pilot, March. 16th, 2007


"Making Air Waves"

"Acoustic-pop artist Skip Friel, no stranger to local radio…” - Virginian-Pilot, March. 16th, 2007


"The Resonators set stage with fresh tone"

Hearty vocals lined with lush harmonies are at the forefront as The Resonators deliver a rare tone that’s energetic and gutsy. The trio features acoustic, bass, pedal steel guitar (PSG) and harmonica.

Guitarist Skip Friel exhibits unique playing styles that blend melodious picking with a silvery staccato strum. But that’s not the only feature that sets The Resonators apart from other groups. They have boldly and successfully married folk rock with Paul Shufer’s sweet, singing pedal steel guitar (PSG). “There’s no doubt that of late the PSG has become more widely used in music genres other than country,” Friel says. “We’re experiencing a heightened interest in the PSG.”

Shufer played several types of stringed instruments over the years before settling into the PSG. He is proof that pedal steel isn’t just for country anymore.

Bass man Martin Somers seems to have no problem wailing on a Dylan harmonica melody, belting out a ballad and thumping the bass all in the same song. Somers says of his music, “For me it’s a unique language—a tool to express myself in another way, or at a different level, if you will.”

The group has found a niche in local clubs. “We offer less volume than a rock band since we don’t use drums,” Friel explained. “A lot of patrons appreciate that they can talk across the table while we’re playing. At the same time we offer a richer sound than a solo act, without taking up much more space in the club.”

The band’s selection of popular folk rock, blues and progressive songs keep you guessing as they shift from covers to originals and from vintage to contemporary. The modern tunes include those by Dave Matthews, MB20, and Nickleback. The originals have a fresh vigorous tone and Friel delivers his lyrics with a transparent sincerity.

The trio are seasoned craftsmen, having played in clubs in their twenties, although not with each other. They re-entered the performing arena three years ago. “We’ve spent some effort finding our combined sound and at the same time have learned to showcase the best of each other,” Friel noted.

When asked why he performs, Friel says, “I love unleashing the natural rich woody sound from the acoustic guitar. For me it’s about tone. My ability is just a function of that. I like to think of myself as a locksmith releasing the guitar’s inherent sound.” Friel adds, “Honestly though, the folks I meet at gigs are the best part.”

Friel and Somers grew up in the same neighborhood and graduated from Princess Anne HS together. Somers says, “We became buds in the 10th grade and it was guitar playing that ignited our friendship. Somers adds, “We even went to the same college for a couple years.” Friel noted, “When Shufer hooked up with us in the late 90s it was like completing the circle. We’ve been like bros ever since.” Friel added jokingly, “When you play music with your best friends it tends to add a degree of caution and respect. What I mean is, you don’t want to risk losing a lifelong friend over who gets to shine in the next verse.”

When asked why they haven’t recorded their original songs, Friel said, “A CD would be nice but when we compare spending four hours in a studio playing one song, to four hours at a gig playing forty songs, we always choose the gig.”

The Resonators are not a typical band. They are certainly not following a formula and in their case that’s a good thing. If you haven’t seen them perform, you’re missing something worthwhile.
- Splash Magazine, August 2005


"The Resonators set stage with fresh tone"

Hearty vocals lined with lush harmonies are at the forefront as The Resonators deliver a rare tone that’s energetic and gutsy. The trio features acoustic, bass, pedal steel guitar (PSG) and harmonica.

Guitarist Skip Friel exhibits unique playing styles that blend melodious picking with a silvery staccato strum. But that’s not the only feature that sets The Resonators apart from other groups. They have boldly and successfully married folk rock with Paul Shufer’s sweet, singing pedal steel guitar (PSG). “There’s no doubt that of late the PSG has become more widely used in music genres other than country,” Friel says. “We’re experiencing a heightened interest in the PSG.”

Shufer played several types of stringed instruments over the years before settling into the PSG. He is proof that pedal steel isn’t just for country anymore.

Bass man Martin Somers seems to have no problem wailing on a Dylan harmonica melody, belting out a ballad and thumping the bass all in the same song. Somers says of his music, “For me it’s a unique language—a tool to express myself in another way, or at a different level, if you will.”

The group has found a niche in local clubs. “We offer less volume than a rock band since we don’t use drums,” Friel explained. “A lot of patrons appreciate that they can talk across the table while we’re playing. At the same time we offer a richer sound than a solo act, without taking up much more space in the club.”

The band’s selection of popular folk rock, blues and progressive songs keep you guessing as they shift from covers to originals and from vintage to contemporary. The modern tunes include those by Dave Matthews, MB20, and Nickleback. The originals have a fresh vigorous tone and Friel delivers his lyrics with a transparent sincerity.

The trio are seasoned craftsmen, having played in clubs in their twenties, although not with each other. They re-entered the performing arena three years ago. “We’ve spent some effort finding our combined sound and at the same time have learned to showcase the best of each other,” Friel noted.

When asked why he performs, Friel says, “I love unleashing the natural rich woody sound from the acoustic guitar. For me it’s about tone. My ability is just a function of that. I like to think of myself as a locksmith releasing the guitar’s inherent sound.” Friel adds, “Honestly though, the folks I meet at gigs are the best part.”

Friel and Somers grew up in the same neighborhood and graduated from Princess Anne HS together. Somers says, “We became buds in the 10th grade and it was guitar playing that ignited our friendship. Somers adds, “We even went to the same college for a couple years.” Friel noted, “When Shufer hooked up with us in the late 90s it was like completing the circle. We’ve been like bros ever since.” Friel added jokingly, “When you play music with your best friends it tends to add a degree of caution and respect. What I mean is, you don’t want to risk losing a lifelong friend over who gets to shine in the next verse.”

When asked why they haven’t recorded their original songs, Friel said, “A CD would be nice but when we compare spending four hours in a studio playing one song, to four hours at a gig playing forty songs, we always choose the gig.”

The Resonators are not a typical band. They are certainly not following a formula and in their case that’s a good thing. If you haven’t seen them perform, you’re missing something worthwhile.
- Splash Magazine, August 2005


"Beach Folk Musician is International Hit"

Toronto Exclusive magazine, which covers the city's arts scene, has named Virginia Beach musician Skip Friel as Best International Male Artist in it's 2007 awards. - The Beacon, The Compass, The Clipper, The Currents, The Sun, Nov. 25th, 2007


Discography

Album, ‘Twilight Red Sky,' was released January 2007.

Album, ‘Evergreen Christmas,' a calaboration with brother Randy Friel was released December 2008.

Skip's second solo album 'Passage' was released May 5, 2012.

Samples of Radio Air Play:
- WPYA FM 93.7 Norfolk, show “Sunrise On Sunday” with host Hunter Hughes.

- WHRV FM 89.5 Norfolk, show “Off the Shelf” with host Paul Shugrue.

- WHRV FM 89.5 Norfolk, show “Acoustic Highway” with host Barry Graham.

- WRRW FM 100.9 Williamsburg with host Ed Langhals.

- WFOS FM 88.7 Chesapeake, show “Afternoon Traffic Jam” with host Marti Craver.

- WNIS AM 790 Norfolk, “Macrini’s Morning Show” with host Tony Macrini.

- Live TV and Radio sessions have aired on:
- WRRW 100.9 FM on February 17, 2007
- WPYA 93.7 FM on March 18, 2007
- WHRV 89.5 FM on June 17, 2007
- WHRV 89.5 FM on Sept 22, 2007
- WHRV 89.5 FM on Dec 22, 2007
- WRRW 100.9 FM on Dec 29, 2007
- WPYA 93.7 FM on Jan 20, 2008
- WAVY TV on May 15, 2010
- WHRV 89.5 FM in Nov, 2009
- WHRV 89.5 FM in Dec, 2009
- WHRV 89.5 FM in Sept, 2010
- WHRV 89.5 FM in Dec, 2010
- WHRV 89.5 FM in Dec, 2011
- WAVY TV on Dec 9, 2011
- WFOS FM on June 11, 2012
- WHRV 89.5 FM in May, 2012
- WHRV 89.5 FM in Oct, 2012
- WFOS FM on May, 2013
- WHRV 89.5 FM in Oct, 2013
- WAVY TV on Oct 11, 2013

(An Updated Schedule of Shows is at www.skipfriel.com )

Photos

Bio

Skip Friel began playing guitar and writing songs at an early age. By 17 he had formed the Virginia Beach-based Folk Rock band, 'Fresh Produce,' with brother Randy. In his twenties, Skip regularly performed his original music with the band 'String Fever.' Friel took a break from performing in his thirties to focus on a career in engineering. Eventually entering into impromptu sessions with musician friends, those experiences gradually became more frequent and by 2003, his current band, ‘The Resonators’ had begun to form. The Resonators have since become Southeast Virginia mainstays. Soon after releasing his 2007 debut album, 'Twilight Red Sky,' Friel was named Winner-2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards for Best International Folk Male Artist. His songs have received regional radio airplay on various stations for the past several years. In addition, Friel has received various music awards including the 2008 and 2009 Port Folio Weekly Magazine Music Awards as well as the Veer Magazine Music Awards in 2012 and 2013. Skip again teamed with brother Randy in 2008 to release 'Evergreen Christmas.' The 16-track collection features six originals penned by the two and some new twists on a few Holiday folk classics. Skip's track, 'Evergreens,' received Winner-Best International Folk Song-2008 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards. In May 2012, Skip released the Americana Rock album, 'Passage,' which continues to receive airplay on several Southeast Virginia radio stations. Skip Friel and The Resonators' spirited performances capture the art and joy of music. Performing solo or with the band, Skip Friel is at home in large, festival venues as well as on intimate, acoustic-friendly stages.

Music Awards:

WINNER: Best International Folk Song, 2008 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards

WINNER: Best International Folk Male Artist, 2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards

RUNNER UP: Best Acoustic Artist, 2008 Port Folio Magazine Music Awards

FINALIST: Best Folk Song, 2008 Indie Singer-Songwriter Song Contest

NOMINATED: Song of the Year, 2009 Port Folio Magazine Music Awards

FINALIST: Best Americana Artist, 2009 Meona Outdoor Music Awards

NOMINATED: Most Inspirational Artist, 2009 Port Folio Magazine Music Awards

NOMINATED: Best Americana Band, 2009 Meona Outdoor Music Awards

NOMINATED: Best Album, 2008 Port Folio Magazine Music Awards

FINALIST: Best International Folk Album, 2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards

NOMINATED: Best Acoustic Folk, 2012 and 2013 Veer Magazine Music Awards

NOMINATED: Song of the Year, 2013 Veer Magazine Music Awards

>

HONORABLE MENTION: Best Song, 2009 Unisong International Songwriting Contest

HONORABLE MENTION: Best Song, 2007 We Are Listening Singer/Songwriter Awards

Press:

Virginia Beach singer-songwriter Skip Friel knows that music isn't a footrace. Polished and thoughtfully constructed, "Passage" benefits from Friel's patient attention to detail. His good-natured songs fit comfortably into the modern singer-songwriter format. Hammond organ swells and bursts of fiddle lend support to sturdy melodies. Acoustic guitars ring pleasantly atop a firm rhythmic foundation. Friel's deep, textured voice reminds me of a mellow Robert Earl Keen or Graham Parker.
...... Sam McDonald, The Daily Press, July 22, 2012

"Friel's guitar work is exceptional. His voice recalls the tone and phrasing of Randy Newman, Leonard Cohen and, at times, Van Morrison. The mix of guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, pedal steel and violin is nearly perfect .... "Twilight Red Sky" would be a natural for heavy play list rotation."
--- Jeff Maisey, Virginian-Pilot, Jan. 19th, 2007

“Local fans should especially appreciate one of Friel’s original tracks, ‘Virginia Beach Blues.’
--- Phyllis Speidell, The Beacon, The Compass, The Clipper, The Currents, June 10th, 2007

"Things are looking up for singer/songwriter Skip Friel."
--- Bill Bass, Port Folio Weekly, July 10th, 2007

"Acoustic-pop artist Skip Friel is no stranger to local radio".
--- Jeff Maisey, Virginian-Pilot, March 16th, 2007

Featured Artist of the Month
--- Lifestyles Magazine Online, September 2007

“Friel’s smoky vocals complement the band’s eclectic sound”
--- DeAnne Bradley, Link Magazine, July 9th, 2008

More:

Sam McDonald, The Daily Press, July 22 2012 - "Polished and thoughtfully constructed, "Passage" benefits from Friel's patient attention to detail. His good-natured songs fit comfortably into the modern singer-songwriter format."

Paul Shugrue, WHRV FM 89.5, May 3 2012 - "Passage is a great new album by Skip Friel. A Hampton Roads artist who needs to be discovered."

Brian Roughton, WFOS FM, May 15, 2012 - "I love the new CD (Passage)."

Hunter Hughes, WPYA FM 99.3, May 14, 2012 - "It's a really nice CD (Passage)."

Band Members