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After seventeen years on the road as a touring comedian, Charlie Wiener has returned to his first love, music, with the release of his CD "Ghosts in the Windows." His first album in fifteen years, "Ghosts" is a departure in that, unlike his first three albums: "Twelve Inches of Wiener," "Dancin' at the Wienerland Ball," and "Back to the Bay" - collections Wiener classifies as 'acoustic comedy' - it is a collection of serious songs, stories of special people Charlie has met in his many years of traveling. Heralded by critics as "some of the best crafted songs heard in many years," it includes tributes to WWII Vets in "Ordinary people," Vietnam Vets in "Good Man," his children in "Child of God" and "Lost Child" and pays homage to the Alaskan fishermen with "Three Days from Kodiak." Charlie has shared the stage over the years with the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, Randy Newman, John Prine and The Roches as well as rock notables Eddie Money, Jefferson Starship, Jeff Beck, Todd Rundgren and many others. He has performed thousands of shows in nightclubs and colleges from Florida to Alaska, New York to California and Ontario to Manitoba. It is the one thing he truly does well. Charlie Wiener, a man who makes the sophomoric sidesplitting, has entertained for decades. But in mirthmaking and easy laughter, it seems part of him got lost. Ghosts in the Windows addresses the missing aspect of the man: the serious singer/songwriter. 'Ghosts' is Wiener's attempt at bringing it all back home. With tales of vets, condemned men, teachers stalking their dreams, the ghosts of the title are the people who've passed through Wiener's life.
"The lead song "Ordinary People (Christmas Eve Somewhere in Germany)" is especially dedicated to his father but is a tribute to all who slugged it out on the battlefronts around the world. The elder, like many veterans, was reluctant to talk about his wartime experiences. "But his son was able to pick up bits and pieces over the years, enough to inspire such words as, 'High school dreams dashed on the hard rocks of war,' and 'I guess this ordinary man wasn't ordinary after all.'" I like these lines, too. 'A sergeant of necessity when there's no one else to lead...But when you're honor bound to freedom you've got to show the way to be free.' "The CD's 14 selections also include 'Child of God' about his daughter, Adrienne. Another on, 'Lost Child', touches on the life of his daughter, Katie, who's also involved in the background vocals. "'Good Man' is dedicated to those who fought in Vietnam. 'Standing Rock Woman, Rosebud Man' tells the story of his visit with Native American friends on a South Dakota reservation. "'All of the songs,' he says, 'are based on truth, a reflection on the lives of real people.' "....words sung from the heart keep your attention from start to finish." Bob Murphy, Murphy's Law
Esquire is proud to be able to offer you Charlie Wiener's CD catalog:
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"Homespun and warm, it is at times awkward to watch the jester cry...yet there's catharsis here, too. But these impressions define him no less than the jokes". - Holly Gleason, Free Times
"Wiener has every right to be proud of 'Ghosts in the Windows'. It made him stretch lyrically and musically. Wiener's brand of country folk is a bit reminiscent of John Pri...His vocals are robust and mature. The playing and production are top notch, too. Wiener penned all of the songs except one, and they transition effortlessly between the deeply heartfelt and the utterly lighthearted". - Nick Stavarz, Revue Magazine
"'Ghosts' is equal parts Johnny Cash and Fred Eaglesmith. Wiener has put together a capable cast of backing musicians who keep the album's mix of country rock and western swing consistent. In 'Ordinary People' Wiener identifies with the working class men sent to fight in wars and fills the song with vivid description of bone cold winters. Ballads such as 'Most of All', 'All I Ask' and 'Patiently' are beautifully played and Wiener sings in a gentle voice. Tracks such as 'Rodeo Rider' and 'Don't Want to Die' are infected with the pain of lost dreams that Wiener can capture so well". Jeff Niesel-Scene Magazine
"Bill Lewis, the program director over at WNCX, has said the album reminds him of the late Harry Chapin. The songs made me think of John Prine, but Wiener's voice reminds me a little of Johnny Cash's lonesome vibrato. There are two songs on the album that are particularly lively and fun. 'Smiling Dog Blues' rocks pretty good and 'The Ballad of Johnny Mogul' has a 'Hot Rod Lincoln' kind of feel to it. Alex Bevan has a wistful cowboy tune on it called 'Rodeo Rider', but all the rest are Charlie Wiener playing and singing about heartache, heartbreak and the many ways time and life get away from you while you're not looking. Very un-Wieneresque. - Michael Heaton, The Plain Dealer
"Comedian/singer Charlie Wiener was busy promoting a new country/folk CD that will help raise funds for the memorial whose beginning his mom and dad were witnessing.
