Of their various roles as songwriters, band leaders and acoustic musicians, that of writers has always been the most rewarding for Wild Blue Yonder founders/co-leaders Melissa Wade and Philip Coward. Their respect for a well-crafted song in these days of cookie-cutter clutter on the airways has led them to a renewed focus on writing. While Wild Blue Yonder has been the vehicle through which they have steered their musical vision, their hearts have never left the simple, folky sound of guitar and voice alone.

Both seasoned veterans of numerous cover bands, Wade and Coward have now followed their hearts to a place of complete artistic integrity . . . a place where lyrics matter, where melodies are fresh, where musicianship is appreciated and originality is esteemed above all else. It is where Wade and Coward have traded their keyboard and Les Paul for a Martin and mandolin, respectively.

Their journey to this place began in the year 2000 with some dusted-off original songs and a renewed desire to create something truly unique. The purity of bluegrass music drew them like a sweet-scented rose. It beckoned with an honesty and rawness that no other American music form equals. So after making the rounds at some local festivals and meeting plenty of pickers, the two put together their own group, first named “Fated Genes" (which took way too much explaining). But while they honored and respected the music that Bill created in old Kentucky, they soon discovered that they weren't and never would be traditionalists. Today, their style has grown quite a ways out of the 'grass and bloomed into its own folk/acoustic/Americana/singer-songwriter (what the heck should we call it?!) creation.

Wade's love of music began at the piano, her first instrument, at age 8. It was there she learned the structure from which creativity can blossom and there where she still does the bulk of her writing. A small country church was her first piano "gig" as a young teen, and in that setting she found a love of gospel and sacred music that empowers her songs today. Guitar was the next instrument to catch her ear, largely owing to the music of Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith, major influences on her performance style.

Coward, who plays both guitar and mandolin, comes from a long and diverse musical background. He began playing guitar at age 12, bass a few years later, and was a veteran of numerous in-demand working bands in Knoxville by age 22. While he led several top 40 bands in the 1970s and '80s - one of which toured overseas with the USO - bluegrass music was what he enjoyed offstage. Today he also co-writes with Wade, often providing the idea behind the song and exceptional creativity in arrangements.

Wade and Coward often perform as a singer/songwriter duo at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, NC; on WDVX radio's (102.9 fm in Knoxville) "Blue Plate Special," and on Karen Reynold's "Writer's Block" live concert series and radio show. They have also appeared at Bristol's Rhythm & Roots festival and on the entertainment/variety show Daytime from Tampa, FL. Performances of their original songs both as a duo and with Wild Blue Yonder have earned them each ASCAPlus Awards for 2004, 2005 & 2006.

Wade and Coward have also received attention in both national bluegrass magazines Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Now and from the International Bluegrass Music Association for their contribution to the romance suspense novel "September on Echo Creek." No, they're not fiction writers too, but a disc of their original songs does appear in the back cover of the book, creating a unique media mixing venture. Specifically, their songs "It's Only Love" and "We Can Build It Bright" are featured in the book, as is Wild Blue Yonder itself in a couple of chapters. See below for more about this story, including how to purchase your own copy of "September on Echo Creek."

For 2007, Wade and Coward already have new material underway and plan to debut it at many Knoxville venues, as well as some in surrounding counties.  Nashville's Bluebird Cafe is also in their sights, as is a new recording venture later this year.