(RockAndMetal.com) (12/30/03)

By Michael Bennett

PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - Originally conceived as an informal collaboration featuring four of the Philadelphia area's most talked-about artists, the arrival of 4 WAY STREET has announced a fresh new sound that is greater than the sum of its considerable parts.

Combining incredible vocal harmonies with a songwriting aesthetic both timeless and unmistakably modern, on their recently-released Sanctuary Records debut the band joins an uncanny pop sensibility with deep roots in folk and rock music to create a sound all their own.

The project's genesis came in 2000 from an unlikely source - Bruce Warren, Program Director of eclectic and influential public radio station WXPN, renowned for their nationally syndicated "World Cafe" program.

Warren asked singer/songwriter Ben Arnold to assemble an all-star group of musicians from the Delaware Valley for the annual WXPN Singer-Songwriter Festival.

Recruiting Scott Bricklin, Jim Boggia, and Joseph Parsons, the group's spontaneous and undeniable energy proved to be a highlight of the festival and paved the way for future collaboration.

After a follow up performance at the 2002 WXPN festival, Warren noted: "They completely engaged the 8,000-plus audience."

"In a crowded bill of artists including more popular names like John Mayer, Nick Lowe, and Sonia Dada, 4 Way Street were the festival favorite and got a rousing ovation."

After several one-off appearances and festivals, word began to spread of the group winning over audiences at an unprecedented rate.

At the annual Appel Farm Festival, sales of their demo CD broke the 14-year sales record set by David Gray.

Drawing on their varied backgrounds, each member contributes equally to the band's distinctive sound.

Ben Arnold takes the lead on the track 'Maze' - matching his bluesy, soulful growl with the impeccable four-part harmony that is the band's trademark.

Scott Bricklin begins 'Counting on You' with a McCartney-esque build in a minor key before bringing in harmony for a chorus with epic sweep.

'Several Thousand' showcases Jim Boggia's crystal clear voice and timeless pop songwriting.

On 'Ceremony,' Joseph Parsons' baritone delivery drives a lyric both personal and moving, a perfect counterpart to Boggia's high backgrounds.

The carefree and bouncy 'Shoot the Moon' further showcases the interplay between voices, with each member contributing lead vocals, something the band continue to display on recent additions 'Change Gonna Come' and 'No Blood.'

The album was self-produced by the members of 4 WAY STREET, was mixed by David Bianco (The Jayhawks, Tom Petty, Santana) and Phil Nicolo (John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Urge Overkill) who were able to put their distinctive stamp on the band's debut, "Pretzel Park."

Each of 4 WAY STREET's members has also had considerable success as a solo artist.

Signed to Columbia Records, guitarist/keyboardist Ben Arnold released his debut album "Almost Speechles" in 1995, received an ASCAP songwriting award for his song 'Everywhere You Go,' and earned "Top 12 DIY" recognition from Performing Songwriter magazine.

Bassist Scott Bricklin released records on A&M with his group Bricklin, and more recently on Hybrid/Sire as Martin's Dam, in addition to gaining recognition as a talented session player and producer.

Guitarist Joseph Parsons has released three albums for European label Blue Rose, and has toured extensively overseas and in the U.S., gaining a loyal following and strong reviews.

After working as a sideman for a variety of artists including Jill Sobule and Julianna Hatfield, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Jim Boggia released his first independent album, "Fidelity Is The Enemy," in 2001.

On "Pretzel Park," these four gifted artists come together and show a willingness to push musical boundaries, evident on tracks that range from the intricate vocal harmony of the traditional melody 'Barbed Wire' to the driving eastern-influenced 'Sister Moon.'

Throughout, the lyrics reveal a rare degree of sophistication and introspection, adding depth to the overriding youthful spirit and optimism that mark the album's twelve songs.

It is clear that together they have found their collective voice and forged a new sound that is as refreshing as it is compelling.

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