Random Acts of Music

Introducing ... The Random Acts of Music Project ...

Over the next several weeks, I will be randomly distributing 100 CDs across the nation (and hopefully the world).  Completely free and completely random. This is my way of spreading my music to those who may not know me, and a gift to the world because I believe the power of music is a driving force for humanity.

I think that most musicians would love to give away all their music for free, for arts sake, and for the joy of creating.  Alas, all those pesky bills and obligations tend to get in the way.  There are lots of times that this becomes a bit of a moral dilemma for me.  I am a full-time career musician.  I play music for money.  I play music to feed my family and to make a living.  I teach music to kids and adults alike.  I play solo shows, band shows, wedding gigs, party gigs, host open mics, sell CDs, etc.  But every single dollar that I make comes from music.  And I'm very proud of that fact.  I don't have to go to an office, I am my own boss, I work my ass off, and I get 'er done.  I'm living the dream and I'm pretty damn good at it.


However, the inner dichotomy comes into play when I start obsessing about the fact that the real reason I fell in love with music to begin with was to move people.  Music is a tremendous spiritual force across the boards, in all cultures and all walks of life.  Music reaches a place in people's souls that is nameless, timeless and ultimately sublime.  Music is an essential part of the human experience.  It comforts us when we are sad, it rejoices with our accomplishments, it encourages us to go further when we feel weak.  There are very few moments in our lives that could not be defined with a song, a note, a rhythm or chorus.  There is no dollar figure that can be placed on the value of music in our lives.


Still, any musician who has made an album knows full well that it is probably an underwater investment right from the start.  Recording, producing, mixing, mastering, artwork, and reproduction takes thousands of dollars in time and cash to accomplish.  The return on this investment is usually minimal, especially in the current age of free music for all, itunes cuts and streaming content.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not against any of this.  I realize that its just the way of the life nowadays.  I'm just saying that it can sometimes make it hard for us to continue to do what we love and still survive.  We simply can't give all of our CDs away for free.  And yet, so many of us musicians dive head first into the deep end for love, for passion and to spread something that we truly believe in. We do it because we simply would not feel complete if we didn't.  


It is with all that in mind that I am launching The Random Acts of Music Project.  Over the next several weeks I will randomly distribute 100 CDs with a special label attached.  "This is a Random Act of Music.  Take Me."  I'll give them away on the street, place them in parks and public places, and send them to accomplice friends across the globe to randomly spread music to the world.


I'm not sure exactly how this is all going to work out or what will become of it.  I do know that if you find a Random Act of Music I would love to hear from you.  I want to know where you found it and what you thoughts are.  I hope to hear from all 100 people who found a CD.  Maybe if this whole thing is successful then I can do another 100, or 200 or 500.  Maybe I'll inspire other musicians to start their own campaign.  Maybe Random Acts of Music will become a "thing" ... maybe it won't.  This is all just an experiment and I'll keep everyone updated on how it goes on this blog.  


If you believe that this project is an assest to to the community and you want to support it, or if you feel that this is something neat and you want to see it happen again, or if my music has touched your life and you want to put a price tag on it, please consider donating any amount you choose through the link provided below.  No pressure.  No obligation.  Its a pay-what-you-will-kickstarter campaign in reverse.  Instead of putting your money out first and hoping that the artist will provide a product that you enjoy, you get to hear the music first and decide what it is worth to you.  As much as I would love to give away a 1000 CDs, I simply don't have the resources to make that happen alone.  But maybe I can do it with your help.  Only time will tell. 

 

Philly's Griz Releases The Secret in the Garden (album review) by John Rinaldo

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.

The Deli Magazine

June 25, 2011

Griz CD Release Party at J.D. McGillicuddys Pub
by  H.M. Kauffman (deli magazine)

Affectionately known as Griz (a.k.a. Chris Grunwald), the gentle bear-like musician has lent his talents to a multitude of songwriters on the local music scene. Well, tonight he steps out into the forefront to lead his full band in celebrating the release of his latest album The Secret in the Garden. His melodic folk-tinged tunes are warm, introspective works of self-discovery that gives a feeling of hope to its listeners. Griz will also be surrounded by plenty of his peers and friends this evening at J.D. McGillicuddys Pub where youll be able to have a special dinner and a meet-and-greet before the entertainment starts. Joining him on the bill will be Cowmuddy, The Spinning Leaves, Ryan Tennis, and Jaclyn Marie as well as plans for an all-star open jam session to close the night out so expect special guests.

Philadelphia artist spotlight: Chris 'Griz' Grunwald

by John Rinaldo
Philadelphia Rock Music Examiner

For over fifteen years, he has established himself as a familiar face within the Philadelphia folk scene as an accomplished musician and member of bands such as Still Willis, Hezekiah Jones, Cowmuddy and Hunter's Cannon. Yet a few months ago, Chris Grunwald, 35, took a considerable step toward advancing his career as an independent artist. Under the name Griz, which his family and friends commonly refer to him as, he entered himself in the annual songwriting competition hosted by the Philadelphia Songwriters Project.

"I decided if I was going to enter, I was going to try and win," he says leaning back in his chair and setting a glass of iced tea down beside him.

The PSP's competition invites local musicians to submit one song as an audition for the contest. With a grand prize totaling $5,000 in recording time at Turtle Studios in Philadelphia , entrants focus their writing on a predetermined topic. This year's subject matter, revolution, correlated with the turbulent overthrows of political regimes in North Africa and the Middle East.

For the competition, Griz crafted a rustic finger-picking tune entitled "Already Been Down This Road Before." Fleshing out the song with drums, bass and mandolin, he submitted his demo a mere five minutes before the contest closed. Soon after, he was contacted by Dena Marchiony, executive director of the PSP, and informed of his advancement in the competition.
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His first year as a participant, Griz says he was "nervous as hell." "I don't usually look at music in terms of competition, so I was a little nervous," he says reflecting back on being chosen for the competition.

On Sunday, May 22, Griz joined 11 other finalists for a judged performance at the Blockley Pourhouse on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. Accompanied by Dean Gorfti on drums and Steve Ciannavei on bass, Griz took the stage with his worn acoustic guitar and performed two songs that would ultimately secure for him the Producer's Choice Award.

Winning the contest has been a major step toward releasing the first studio album under his solo name says Griz. The songs on his debut album, The Secret in the Garden, span the length of his writing career over the past ten years. On June 25, Griz will unveil his album with a CD release party at J.D. Mcgillicuddy's Pub in Roxborough. Joining him will be the Spinning Leaves, Cowmuddy and Ryan Tennis.