LOS ANGELES, CA (ANS) -- It’s back-to-school again and, for many kids, which means returning to an education void of the classical arts. But here’s a timely, musical treat spiked with artistry and virtuosity, Pilgrims & Prodigals—a debut album by The Annie Moses Band—available nationwide on September 25.

Album cover

The Annie Moses Band, best described as classical crossover, comprises of six siblings, all musical prodigies with myriad music awards between them (and some band members are also Juilliard graduates). Parents, Bill and Robin are the band’s backbone, creating musical arrangements and writing many of the songs featured in Pilgrims & Prodigals.

An eclectic blend of classical, jazz, folk, some Celtic undertones and even a new twist on a few more contemporary musical pieces—including innovative renderings of “Love Song” (Elton John) and “I Got a Name” (Jim Croce)—Pilgrims & Prodigals showcases the band’s versatility and beautiful harmonies.

Pilgrims & Prodigals is about roaming and redemption. Alex Wolaver, a violist, explains, “We’re all on a personal journey. We are all either someone who’s finding our way back home or we’re someone who’s running away from home. Every song on this album tells of those two stories.”

For the first time, Alex also shares vocals with his sister and lead singer, Annie—adding a softer tone of the album. (Those preferring warm-toned vocals may not find Annie’s high-pitched, light soprano voice easy listening.)

Annie Moses Band on stage at Huntington University, Indiana

As a close family band comprising of siblings Annie, Alex, Benjamin, Camille, Gretchen, and Jeremiah, it’s not surprising that The Annie Moses Band is musically tight and a delight to watch. In producing the 12-track album, Pilgrims & Prodigals, they included not just the CD but also a DVD of their performances with a few entertaining family dynamics thrown in.

Says Annie Wolaver, “…what we do as The Annie Moses Band is so visual…By including the live concert DVD with the album, people can actually see us performing and playing each other in the album.”

Featured more than any other debut artist on PBS stations, with more than 500 hours of airings already, The Annie Moses Band’s performances of Pilgrims & Prodigals will be aired nationwide on PBS beginning in October.

The Wolaver family, aka The Annie Moses Band, also shares their savoir faire by teaching some 200 students each summer as part of their Fine Arts Academy program in Nashville, TN.

Check out Pilgrims & Prodigals and look for The Annie Moses Band on PBS this fall. More info at: www.anniemosesband.com.

This article also appears in The San Diego Examiner.

Janey DeMeo is founder and director of Orphans First -- a nonprofit organization helping suffering children around the world. She is also an author and speaker. Her husband, Louis, is a church-planter, mentor and pastor. They were formerly missionaries to France for 22 years and also worked in developing countries. They are now based in Southern California where they continue their ministry mentoring people to walk closer to Jesus. They both taught at the Calvary Chapel Bible College. For more information, please check out:
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