Philly's Griz Releases The Secret in the Garden (album review)
by John Rinaldo
When you consider the fact that Griz (Chris Grunwald) has spent most of his Philadelphia-based career writing and performing with several different bands, hosting open mic nights at J.D. McGillicuddy's in Roxborough, teaching guitar lessons and raising a family, it is no surprise that his debut album consists of songs he has tirelessly perfected over the past 15 years.
You can be sure that time spent was well worth it.
The Secret in the Garden, which was released to a full house at McGillicuddy's on Saturday, June 25, showcases Griz's natural talent as a musician and songwriter. Introspective and honest, the 14-track album, produced at the Record Lounge by himself and Andrew Lipke, covers considerable ground and flows seamlessly from start to finish.
An ethereal backdrop rises and sets the stage for Griz and his acoustic guitar with the opening track "Waiting for the End." Griz holds nothing back and immediately dives in with these words:
I've been working on a farm picking up potatoes, storing them in silos, waiting for the end to come.
It is hard to imagine any other artist kicking off their debut effort with this line. Yet the some-what silly lyrical imagery and imperfect nuances in Griz's endearing voice impart a powerful first impression of The Secret in the Garden; not to mention it's a line few can deny not to fall in love with after a second or third listen.
It is clear from the beginning that Griz feels naturally at home and comfortable on this record. The second track, "I Like a Beach, is an upbeat pop tune that yearns for the blistering summer sun and ocean breeze. Griz then launches into the dust-kicking and danceable blues rocker "Let's Be Free in America." Here the listener is given a glimpse at one of the more jam-oriented tracks in Griz's repertoire as guitar and piano solos trade on and off and culminate during a climatic build.
Griz slows things down to take a closer look at himself on "The Secret in the Garden" and " The Slow Garden. His "monk-like" musings are laid out over lush sonic landscapes of acoustic and electric wah-wah guitars, piano melodies and atmospheric textures. One of the most personal and connecting lyrics on the album comes when he sings, "I should have learned, not to return. Just to get burned by the sun."
Griz maintains a mellower vibe that is more focuses more on the narrative elements within his songs. "My Side of the Hill" is a standout track on the album in terms of lyricism. Griz's voice sounds weary, worn and almost tired as he sings of the forces that we too often let drag us down and distract us from what is truly important in life.
Life keeps getting harder, my side of the hill. Seems that the more that I give, it's just the more that they steal. And the road keeps on turning to the wrong side of town. Seems the more I climb up, just the more they push down. And I was scared, I didn't know any better. And I was scared, I didn't know anyone.
The back nine of The Secret Garden doesn't stray much further from the momentum Griz has established up to this point. "Only Dreadlock" offers a refreshing feel and sees him take on a Marley-esque delivery to compliment the reggae timbre of the song. "Already Been Down This Road Before," the song that won Griz recognition during the 2011 Philly Song Writers Competition, is laced with mandolin work and, lyrically, dances around themes of activism and revolution.
The album comes to a close with "Deserter's Blues," a light shuffle and finger-picking acoustic lullaby, and an acapella reprise of "The Slow Reprise" that leaves the listener with what seems to be a profound reoccurring theme. Purpose.
Throughout The Secret in the Garden, Griz plays with and revisits the concept of self-purpose. What are we meant for, what chances should we take in life and why do we force ourselves to persevere and push through the difficult times? Why do we seek self-gratification or fulfillment, and is it even worth the struggle?
The Secret in the Garden seems to be a reflection of his journey thus far. A profound statement for a solo artist, Griz's debut is also a testament to a lively, yet often unrecognized, music scene that has played a critical role in nurturing his talents and career over the past 15 years.
