Take The Road

Take The Road represents a continuation of Mary Bomar & Bob Ritter's original folk/pop music, influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg, yet adds a bit more production and edginess on several tracks. 'We wanted to record these songs the way we hear them in our heads. We still perform primarily as an acoustic duo, but for this long overdue recording, we felt the need to present the songs the way that suited them best', states Bob. In addition to Mary & Bob's unique vocal and guitar blend, this recording also features some of Bob's electric guitar work as well as contributions from a group of stellar musicians from around the country. Bob's brother, top Indianapolis bassist Bill Ritter (who engineered and co-produced the record with Mary & Bob) added great bass tracks to all the songs (except 'Time' - Bob played bass there), and drummer/percussionist Steve Brunner added a solid and creative rhythm bed. Peg Wright and Brice Bowman, Bob's former band mates from Indianapolis, added beautiful violin and keyboard tracks to 'Peacock Road' and 'It Only Matters', completing those songs in a way Bob never imagined. Former Indianapolis musician (now in San Marcos, TX) Dan Holmes added tasteful piano to 'You're A Vision' and 'It's Getting Easier' and fellow Texan Ian Lee added violin which compliments Dan's piano on 'You're A Vision'. For Mary & Bob, the special feature on this recording is the contribution of former Carole King and Dan Fogelberg guitarist, Robert McEntee from Austin, Texas. 'We met Robert at the 2011 Dan Fogelberg Celebration Weekend in Peoria, and he invited us to sing back-up vocals on his song, 'Over Peoria' at the 2012 Celebration Weekend', Mary said. 'Knowing we were recording a new CD, he offered to add parts if we were interested, so we sent him 'With You Always'. We are still amazed, honored and humbled at the journey he took us on, with his work on that song. We knew right away we would close the record with it'. Fans of Bomar & Ritter will have plenty to like about this offering. From folk to rock, ballads to blues, this recording has something for... almost everyone.