Every so often a band comes along that will give 200%. They'll take the stage like it's their purpose for living and breathing. White Witch is one of those bands.
When you listen to Williamsport's White Witch or see them perform, it becomes obvious music is their purpose, dream, and life's blood. If you've seen them live, as many have over a long period, you know lead singer Uncle Jeff Pittinger's and the rest of the band's 200% I'm talking about.
The history of White Witch includes its trials and problems since their formation in 1984, but today they've straightened the path and focus all their energy into their mix of original and rock covers. With a recent album out titled Never Dies The Dream and thoughts of already heading back into the studio to work on their follow-up, it's likely we haven't heard the last of the foursome. Not by a long shot.
Uncle Jeff defines White Witch's mix of metal and classic rock as "Big vocals, real clean, catchy clever lyrics, big guitar Randy Roads sound, killer drums." He claims to have a "freaky voice, Super Tramp, Ozzy, Alice, very clean but different. It seems to be catching on now and I'm better now that I'm older. I do not see myself as a singer but as a vehicle for this thing inside of me that's going to do what it needs to do with laser-like accuracy. White Witch has not yet got to where it's going as a band but it's getting close to where I can almost smell and taste it."
The other members of White Witch include Doug Lehman, a West Palm Beach, Florida resident, originally from Pennsylvania; he's a true guitar shredder that's been compared to Randy Roads and other greats. Billy Zimmerman lays down the bass. Carl Berry's small in size but big in drumming. Uncle Jeff commented of Berry: "I have only heard one drummer like him and that was Pat Benatar's original drummer."
Since the veteran group has been out there over the years Uncle Jeff shared some details of his experience for younger groups. He says, "Your biggest battle is yourself, your biggest competition is yourself, your worst enemy is yourself, and if you don't, believe me, you will find that out, as you go through the course of your life, if you are ever able to stay in this business. I've been pounding the pavement in this business since '81 and the only one you can truly depend on is yourself. You have to believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself you can make it happen - but it takes time."
If you're interested in classic rock and metal or just want to learn more about a good old fashion hard working band check out their website: www.whitewitchrocks.com | www.myspace.com/whitewitchrocks
