Greg X. Volz is originally from Peoria, Illinois and is better known for his work as lead vocalist for the world renown Rock band Petra. Greg Volz became a Christian back in the early 70's and and was gifted with the ability to sing so he formed the group 'e Band'. After some time, 'e Band' had ran its course and the members of the group all went their separate ways. In 1975 Greg moved to Missouri and began working with the well-known guitarist-Phil Keaggy. After having spent some time with Phil Keaggy, in 1976 Greg Volz was offered the position as frontman for the Illinois based Rock band REO Speedwagon but respectfully declined due to his Christian faith. However, Just six weeks later, Greg was contacted by Bob Hartman and invited to perform as a guest singer on Petra's 1977 sophomore album 'Come And Join Us'. On this release, Greg was given the opportunity to perform lead vocals on 3 different tracks. His work on the album didn't go unnoticed with guitarist/founder-Bob Hartman offering Greg a full-time position as the band's lead vocalist. With Greg X. Volz now fronting the band, in 1979 Petra recorded & released their 3rd full-length album titled 'Washes Whiter Than' which was released on Star Song Records. This album finds Greg X. Volz sharing the mic with singer-Rob Frazier. 'Washes Whiter Than' had a radio friendly sound and helped Petra garner some much needed recognition in the music industry. This recording falls more in the Contemporary music category and is one of the softest albums that Petra has ever produced.
Over the next 7 years, Greg X. Volz continued in his position as lead vocalist for Petra and went on to perform for the band on a number of albums including 1981 'Never Say Die', 1982 'More Power To Ya', 1983 'Not Of This World', 1984 'Beat The System', and the 1986 live album 'Captured In Time And Space'.
Over the next 7 years, Greg X. Volz continued in his position as lead vocalist for Petra and went on to perform for the band on a number of albums including 1981 'Never Say Die', 1982 'More Power To Ya', 1983 'Not Of This World', 1984 'Beat The System', and the 1986 live album 'Captured In Time And Space'.
After the release of 'Captured In Time And Space' Greg X. Volz left Petra to pursue a solo career. The logic behind Greg's departure from Petra was that he thought they could reach twice as many people by splitting up. Also, he was feeling the pressure that often comes from heavy touring and not getting to see the wife and kids.
1986
In 1986 Greg X. Volz released his debut full-length album titled 'The River Is Rising' on Myrrh Records. 'The River Is Rising' is a guitar driven Rock project that received rave reviews from GXV fans & reviewers from around the world. This debut solo project was produced by both Jonathan David Brown and Greg X. Volz. If you have found yourself longing for the sounds of the 80's golden years then you are going to love the arrangements, hooks, and vocals throughout this recording.
It's worth noting that in 2002 Greg X. Volz's 1986 album 'The River Is Rising' was reissued by Myrrh Records. This reissue comes with an additional song that originally wasn't on the 1986 album track-8 "Break Out Of The Trance".
Some songs that stand out on this release include track-1 "Barrier", track-2 "Joyous Grave", track-4 "Still Waters", track-5 "All I Can Do", track-6 "Heaven Is Within You", track-7 "The River Is Rising", track-8 "Break Out Of The Trance", track-9 "Hold On To The Fire", and track-10 "Man Like You". Ok that was just about the entire album, not much to skip over here.
It's worth noting that in 2002 Greg X. Volz's 1986 album 'The River Is Rising' was reissued by Myrrh Records. This reissue comes with an additional song that originally wasn't on the 1986 album track-8 "Break Out Of The Trance".
Some songs that stand out on this release include track-1 "Barrier", track-2 "Joyous Grave", track-4 "Still Waters", track-5 "All I Can Do", track-6 "Heaven Is Within You", track-7 "The River Is Rising", track-8 "Break Out Of The Trance", track-9 "Hold On To The Fire", and track-10 "Man Like You". Ok that was just about the entire album, not much to skip over here.
Lyrics are thought provoking and encourage the believer to stay in the fight.
"Joyous Grave"
The only thing I've lost here
Is my fear of passin' time
What I sowed in tears I'll reap with joy
In fact, it's already arrived
There's nothin' greater than a promise
When it's real in your soul
You're true - I see it clearly now
There's no way you'd let me go
It's easy to be patient
When you know the end is sure
"Still Waters"
When I'm shaken by my trials and
I lose my way and I lose my way
Lose my way, ooh
When I'm stumbling in the darkness, watching for the day
Will it ever come?
Ooh, yeah, yeah
When I'm thirsting for your presence, I begin to pray
Lead me to still waters
Oh yeah
Lead me to still waters
"All I Can Do"
I am surrounded - there's no way out - I must fight
A nasty situation
On the horizon - reinforcements coming in sight
To face the confrontation
And tho I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
I know by His power He will give me that rest
Which passes understanding
All I have to do - for Him to pull me thru
Stand on the word and He'll fight the battle
"Break Out Of The Trance"
You don't get this chance too often
When you're out with your pals
You'll be sick in the morning but don't think about that now
You're an upstanding person
You'd never go too far
But you're sitting with your friend
Who's too drunk to walk and he's driving your car
We all know you haven't lost your mind...
Break out of the trance
"Hold On To The Fire"
What have you got
That they can't take away
You can choose what you'll do
In the face of dismay
When you just want to run
To your shelter and hide
And it feels like someone's fighting
A world war inside
Hold on to the Fire
To the Truth that lights your desire
The only thing I've lost here
Is my fear of passin' time
What I sowed in tears I'll reap with joy
In fact, it's already arrived
There's nothin' greater than a promise
When it's real in your soul
You're true - I see it clearly now
There's no way you'd let me go
It's easy to be patient
When you know the end is sure
"Still Waters"
When I'm shaken by my trials and
I lose my way and I lose my way
Lose my way, ooh
When I'm stumbling in the darkness, watching for the day
Will it ever come?
Ooh, yeah, yeah
When I'm thirsting for your presence, I begin to pray
Lead me to still waters
Oh yeah
Lead me to still waters
"All I Can Do"
I am surrounded - there's no way out - I must fight
A nasty situation
On the horizon - reinforcements coming in sight
To face the confrontation
And tho I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
I know by His power He will give me that rest
Which passes understanding
All I have to do - for Him to pull me thru
Stand on the word and He'll fight the battle
"Break Out Of The Trance"
You don't get this chance too often
When you're out with your pals
You'll be sick in the morning but don't think about that now
You're an upstanding person
You'd never go too far
But you're sitting with your friend
Who's too drunk to walk and he's driving your car
We all know you haven't lost your mind...
Break out of the trance
"Hold On To The Fire"
What have you got
That they can't take away
You can choose what you'll do
In the face of dismay
When you just want to run
To your shelter and hide
And it feels like someone's fighting
A world war inside
Hold on to the Fire
To the Truth that lights your desire
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
After the release of his debut album, Greg X. Volz showed no signs of stopping and went on to record a number of projects including 1988 'Come Out Fighting', 1989 'No Room In The Middle', and 1991 'The Exodus' just to mention a few.
2010
In May 2010, Greg Volz got his "second wind" with a familiar band when a re-united version of Petra was formed with its 1984-85 line-up going by the moniker 'Classic Petra'. The band was formed, or should we say was re-formed, of members that had once been part of Petra's line-up including vocalist-Greg X. Volz, guitarist-Bob Hartman, bassist-Mark Kelly, keyboardist-John Lawry, and drummer-Louie Weaver. In 2010 the band released their first album titled 'Back to the Rock' featuring re-recordings of original hits from the early 80's along with new material. Tracks 1-10 are re-recordings of earlier Petra songs from four different albums from 1981-1984, track 11 is a reworked re-recording of a Greg X. Volz solo song, and track 12 is a new song. This is a solid release and worth checking out if you are into Classic Rock n' Roll.
In 2012 'Classic Petra' released a second album titled 'Back To The Rock' "Live" on an indie label. The performances feature new live versions of some of the band's classic tracks, including "More Power To Ya", "Bema Seat", and many more.
In 2012 'Classic Petra' released a second album titled 'Back To The Rock' "Live" on an indie label. The performances feature new live versions of some of the band's classic tracks, including "More Power To Ya", "Bema Seat", and many more.
Classic Rock fans have a lot to get excited about here with Greg X. Volz and his 1986 debut release 'The River Is Rising'. If you are into bands like Petra, 'Degarmo and Key', and John Elefante then you are going to love what Greg X. Volz brings to the table.
Musicians:
Greg X. Volz - Lead Vocals
Kirk Henderson - Guitars
Carl Marsh - Piano, Synthesizers, Keyboards & Drums
Jimmy Lee Sloas - Bass
Guest Musicians:
Phil Keaggy - Guitars
John Lawry - Guitars
Greg X. Volz - Lead Vocals
Kirk Henderson - Guitars
Carl Marsh - Piano, Synthesizers, Keyboards & Drums
Jimmy Lee Sloas - Bass
Guest Musicians:
Phil Keaggy - Guitars
John Lawry - Guitars
