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.
Showing posts with label Cd release. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cd release. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Secret is Out (Philadelphia City Paper)
The Secret is Out
Singer-songwriter Griz makes a statement.
by Patrick Rapa
City Paper
[ rock/roots/reggae ]
Griz isn't a nickname you give to the fresh-faced or the clean-cut. It's the kind of thing you call a journeyman, a wily veteran.
It's a good fit for a fuzzy gentle giant like Chris Grunwald (even though the nickname predates the beard and the wild hair). For the past decade, Griz has been the model of blue-collar musicianship: hosting open mics and jam nights in suburban Irish bars, giving lessons (guitar, piano, bass and drums) up and down the Main Line, playing weddings and backing up his friends in Philly's increasingly formidable singer-songwriter scene.
Griz has played with a number of artists who've recently garnered some attention, including The Spinning Leaves, Hezekiah Jones and Andrew Lipke. "For a long time I have been listening to all these incredibly gifted local artists and trying to figure out why they hadn't blown up all over the place," he marvels.
But with his brand-new album, The Secret in the Garden, on the way, Griz's own tender voice and fleet-finger guitar style should turn some heads in his direction. In fact, it already has: His island-tinged mandolin blues song "Already Been Down This Road Before" just won him a top spot in a Philadelphia Songwriters Project contest and $5,000 worth of recording at Turtle Studios.
Unlike his first album, 2001's home-recorded Plant Life, The Secret in the Garden is a full-on studio endeavor produced by Lipke. "Company Man" has a waltzing tempo, a sliding guitar solo and a warm Simon & Garfunkel vibe. Strings swirl behind a catchy, doomy rocker called "Waiting for the End." Whether it's a folk, rock, country or reggae song, the acoustic guitar is prominent throughout.
"As people became more familiar with my songs, lead guitar players started sitting in with me so I never really had the opportunity to rock it out on electric," says Griz. "Lately I have been playing lead myself with Cowmuddy and other bands, and I love it. I used to listen to a lot of punk, and the electric really allows me to tap into that carefree attitude." There's a taste of the harder stuff on "Let's Be Free in America," the album's high-energy, piano-pounding spiritual centerpiece.
Griz's lyrics have a socially conscious streak and a philosophical bent. Down with violence. Up with love. It's a message even more plainly spoken in his occasional side project The Soul Shakedown Party, a Bob Marley tribute band.
"I definitely still believe the idealistic notion that music can bring groups of people together to change the world. Whether that means putting together shows that support or promote good causes or simply helping people see the world in a more loving and connected way, there is something essential and instinctual about music that is often overlooked," he says. "Love is the answer and music is the vehicle that drives it."
So that's the secret to life, but what's the secret in the garden? "If I told you it would no longer be a secret," he jokes. "The logistics involved in reprinting the discs and all that would be too much."
(pat@citypaper.net)
Sat., June 25, 7 p.m., $10 ($15 includes CD) with Cowmuddy, The Spinning Leaves, Ryan Tennis and Jaclyn Marie, J.D. McGillicuddy's, 473 Leverington Ave., 267-335-2672, jdmcgillicuddys.com.
Singer-songwriter Griz makes a statement.
by Patrick Rapa
City Paper
[ rock/roots/reggae ]
Griz isn't a nickname you give to the fresh-faced or the clean-cut. It's the kind of thing you call a journeyman, a wily veteran.
It's a good fit for a fuzzy gentle giant like Chris Grunwald (even though the nickname predates the beard and the wild hair). For the past decade, Griz has been the model of blue-collar musicianship: hosting open mics and jam nights in suburban Irish bars, giving lessons (guitar, piano, bass and drums) up and down the Main Line, playing weddings and backing up his friends in Philly's increasingly formidable singer-songwriter scene.
Griz has played with a number of artists who've recently garnered some attention, including The Spinning Leaves, Hezekiah Jones and Andrew Lipke. "For a long time I have been listening to all these incredibly gifted local artists and trying to figure out why they hadn't blown up all over the place," he marvels.
But with his brand-new album, The Secret in the Garden, on the way, Griz's own tender voice and fleet-finger guitar style should turn some heads in his direction. In fact, it already has: His island-tinged mandolin blues song "Already Been Down This Road Before" just won him a top spot in a Philadelphia Songwriters Project contest and $5,000 worth of recording at Turtle Studios.
Unlike his first album, 2001's home-recorded Plant Life, The Secret in the Garden is a full-on studio endeavor produced by Lipke. "Company Man" has a waltzing tempo, a sliding guitar solo and a warm Simon & Garfunkel vibe. Strings swirl behind a catchy, doomy rocker called "Waiting for the End." Whether it's a folk, rock, country or reggae song, the acoustic guitar is prominent throughout.
"As people became more familiar with my songs, lead guitar players started sitting in with me so I never really had the opportunity to rock it out on electric," says Griz. "Lately I have been playing lead myself with Cowmuddy and other bands, and I love it. I used to listen to a lot of punk, and the electric really allows me to tap into that carefree attitude." There's a taste of the harder stuff on "Let's Be Free in America," the album's high-energy, piano-pounding spiritual centerpiece.
Griz's lyrics have a socially conscious streak and a philosophical bent. Down with violence. Up with love. It's a message even more plainly spoken in his occasional side project The Soul Shakedown Party, a Bob Marley tribute band.
"I definitely still believe the idealistic notion that music can bring groups of people together to change the world. Whether that means putting together shows that support or promote good causes or simply helping people see the world in a more loving and connected way, there is something essential and instinctual about music that is often overlooked," he says. "Love is the answer and music is the vehicle that drives it."
So that's the secret to life, but what's the secret in the garden? "If I told you it would no longer be a secret," he jokes. "The logistics involved in reprinting the discs and all that would be too much."
(pat@citypaper.net)
Sat., June 25, 7 p.m., $10 ($15 includes CD) with Cowmuddy, The Spinning Leaves, Ryan Tennis and Jaclyn Marie, J.D. McGillicuddy's, 473 Leverington Ave., 267-335-2672, jdmcgillicuddys.com.
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