VALLEY OF SALT
Valley of Salt is the brainchild of South New Jersey guitarist and songwriter Brian Stemetzki.
VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS: THE STORY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (2025)
Tracks | Media | |
| 1. | The Love Of God Is All Around Us (5:04) | |
| 2. | Don't Be Afraid (7:29) | |
| 3. | Wilderness Interlude (4:50) | |
| 4. | What Did You See (4:19) | |
| 5. | I Wait For You (4:41) | |
| 6. | He Walks (5:52) | |
| 7. | His Glory (4:46) | |
| 8. | Machaerus (5:22) | |
| 9. | Holy Holy Is The Lord (4:30) | |
| 10. | I Receive You (4:27) | |
| | ||
Credits
Brian Stemetzki – vocals, electric & acoustic 12 & 6-string guitars, banjo, sitar guitar, dobro
David DeShazo – bass
Olivia Willson-Piper – violin, backing vocals
Tess Kent – cello
Richard Martin – piano, keyboard, synth
Jason Garner – drums, tubular bells, chimes
Cherish Love – backing vocals
Nae Callihan – backing vocals
Camille Cortinas – backing vocals
Marty Willson-Piper – electric guitar, guest vocals
Paul Slavens – accordion
Abby Hawthorne – oboe, English horn
Dave Monsch – saxophone
Steve Luthye – trumpet, trombone
June Dufilho – guest vocals
Anika Valverde – guest vocals
All songs written by Brian Stemetzki
Lyrics by Brian Stemetzki, except "Holy Holy is The Lord" – Lyrics by Angelina Stemetzki
Produced by Marty Willson-Piper
Arranged by Brian Stemetzki & Marty Willson-Piper
Engineered and recorded at Pleasantry Lane Studio, Dallas, Texas, USA
by Kevin D. Brown & John Dufilho between November 2022 and June 2023
Mixed by Andreas Ahlenius, Gävle, Sweden
Mastered by Björn Engelmann, Stockholm, Sweden
Artwork by Reid Wilson
Brush Strokes Photo by Polina Kovaleva
Releases
- CD - In Deep Recordings 004CD (USA) - Feb. 3, 2025 - 6-panel digipak with a 16 page booklet - Available on Bandcamp
- Digital Download and Streaming (USA) - Feb. 3, 2025 - Available at Bandcamp, Spotify and Apple Music
Notes
From the Valley of Salt website:
Brian Stemetzki is a polymath musician who brings a unique blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences to his music, which explores timeless themes of faith, humanity, and personal growth. His progressive rock concept album, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, is a lifelong dream brought to life—a powerful rock opera telling the story of John the Baptist.
Produced by Marty Willson-Piper (The Church, All About Eve), Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness showcases Brian’s talent as a guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist. The album includes collaborations with a diverse group of talented musicians from Dallas, Texas, including members of the Polyphonic Spree, the Fort Smith Symphony, and local gospel singers. His signature sound is enriched by vintage guitars, such as his 1966 Rickenbacker and 1978 Gibson Les Paul, which inspire his creative process.
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"Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist" is a new rock opera conceived by composer and lyricist Brian Stemetzki. Produced by the illustrious Marty Willson-Piper, it weaves a tale of spiritual awakening, societal upheaval, and the quest for truth in a world shrouded in chaos.
Much like "Jesus Christ Superstar" challenged the boundaries of traditional storytelling, this album takes listeners on a transformative journey through intricate melodies, soaring vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. While "Jesus Christ Superstar" delved into the iconic figure of Jesus Christ, "Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness" explores the story of the prophet John the Baptist, grappling with existential questions and seeking redemption amidst a cacophony of doubt and disillusionment.
Under Marty Willson-Piper's production, and recorded in Texas with members of the Polyphonic Spree, the Fort Smith Arkansas Symphony, members of the local Dallas gospel singing community, and a myriad of local talented musicians, the album's dynamic instrumentation and emotive performances shine. The album showcases Stemetzki's talents as a guitar player, using various vintage guitars on the album, including 6 and 12-string Rickenbacker guitars from 1966 and a Fender Stratocaster from 1972, adding a powerful and authentic layer to the musical tapestry.
The album invites audiences to follow the protagonist's quest for self-discovery and enlightenment, resonating with timeless themes of hope, faith, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Get ready to experience a musical odyssey like no other, where every note is a revelation and every chord a testament to the enduring legacy of progressive rock.