Guy-Michael Grande
Familiar Strangers
© 2001 Guy-Michael Grande/Fifth Fret Music (802505159920)
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Passionate acoustic pop songs comparable to artists including Jackson Browne, del Amitri, Freedy Johnston & David Wilcox; a melodically memorable CD chronicling life & love changes.
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"An engaging performer whose songs stay with you long after you hear them."
-- Neal Robinson, Manager, Iron Horse Music Hall
"He sings like Jackson Browne with a sweeter edge...Grande has recorded a promising debut effort that should appeal to many new fans."
-- Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music.com
"Grande's new CD Familiar Strangers sports earnest lyrics much in the tradition of David Wilcox..."
-- Tricia Asklar, The Valley Advocate
"On his debut album Familiar Strangers, Grande proves himself a solid singer-songwriter."
-- Roger Catlin, The Hartford Courant
Northeastern audiences are no strangers to native singer-songwriter Guy-Michael Grande. The region's acoustic music fans are already familiar with the distinct songs from his debut album, Familiar Strangers.
A singer-songwriter whose contemporary acoustic folk/pop evokes comparisons to artists ranging from Jackson Browne to del Amitri, Neil Finn and David Wilcox, Grande's original songs reveal a keen ear for his craft, wry takes on the everyday and deep sensitivity toward matters of the heart and human condition.
Grande's six-string musical sensitivities were awakened during childhood days spent in a hometown not far from New York City.
"Guitar has been a major part of my identity since I was seven years old," he recalls. Despite this history, it took a six-year hiatus in the early 90s to make the young musician realize the vital role his instrument played. "When I picked it up again, the songs just started coming, and I haven't looked back since."
Familiar Strangers is in many ways a glimpse of Grande's own life.
"If you listen closely, there's a common theme running through these songs," he reveals. "It's a record about changes -- people coming together and coming apart." The record features 10 radio-ready tracks, ranging from the opening salvos of 'Here & Now' to the closing whisper of 'Ever After.'
Produced by Jim Chapdelaine at Be-BANG! Studios (West Hartford, CT) -- who has worked with artists ranging from Paula Cole to Feathermerchants -- FS also features his impressive fretwork on an array of stringed instruments, most audibly "all the big dog guitars."
"Working with Jim is extremely gratifying because he's an amazingly gifted musician with an uncanny knack for serving every song," Grande enthuses.
While the chemistry between artist and producer fuels FS with sparkle and substance, Grande is a songwriter who's passionate about the creative process, balancing his need for expression with his desire to have people relate to what he's saying musically.
"I grew up during the mid-70s to mid-80s, so I'm a pop baby," he confesses. That pop ethic he cites is reflected in his work: tightly crafted three-minute songs that instantly hook even the most jaded listeners and resonate long after the music ends.
While Grande's songwriting has already earned him the admiration of music fans and respect of musical peers, he admits it's humbling.
"It's just what I do," he says. "I write, play and sing because that's what I love doing."
That his emotive voice and deceptively simple guitar playing evoke comparisons to a handful of prominent singer-songwriters before him is fine by this self-admitted contemporary acoustic pop singer.
"All I've ever wanted to do is make music," Grande admits. "I didn't set out to be a singer, but that's what I've become. Through the guitar, I feel like I've finally found my voice."
reviews
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like it a lot
author: Anna-bananaSome of the songs I really liked, but some of them I just loved, still do, when I heard his song "bonfire girls", got a sing at one of the bars where he was singing, I felt in love with this song, and then desided, that I must have his albums. So when I feel lonely I get in to my car, put his CD in and just drive around listening to him, because his songs are real, they don't have any LA or CA toughch to them.
glad to see he made his dream come true.
author: susan deFreeseWhen I first heard this songs from this CD I knew I wanted to get it. I went to school with Guy and I can't wait till his next CD comes out. I truly enjoyed this CD and so have my friends.
Engaging, soothing soft rock
author: Lee Zimmerman, Goldmine MagazineA comforting collection of easy, breezy ballads and pleasant pop melodies. The laid-back ambience is especially affecting on songs such as "Giving Tree" and "No Bounds," where Grande's wistful reflections and soothing sentiments create an immediate emotional bond. Other tracks, such as "Bermuda Love," "Here & Now" and "All I Want" prove equally engaging, albeit in a low-key and unassuming sort of way.
A warm & wonderful CD
author: Paul De Bruijn, Rambles.netGuy-Michael Grande has a wonderfully smooth voice... Familiar Strangers is well worth the listen. The music is wonderful and the songs are warm, returning time and time again to love. Sit back and let it warm you for a while.
Won't collect dust on the rack Folks
author: Graham HendersonLike this a lot. Streamed them all and glad i did buffering and all. I have heard words and music combined better, but not all that often. First track wants a stronger voice to do it justice but the rest make the trip. Regards. Graham
ISWM Indie Pick of the Month: June 2001
author: Independent Songwriter Web MagazineThere's a young schoolboy charm in this album. From the vocals to the simple musical arrangements, it's a romantic serenade by a tortured poet.
A very honest and very talented artist.
author: M. A. Vicenzo - Vector Arts & MediaA strong debut! Each track can stand on its own merits, and when listened to as a whole create a great first chapter to what will hopefully be a great series. You will find catchy hooks and familiar scenarios seen from a unique perspective. You're bound to put yourself into some of these stories. The easy turn of a phrase makes the craft behind it seem effortless, and the production is so good that it serves every song without distraction, but there's plenty there if you choose to focus on it. Definitely a CD worth having!
Guy's music is a soul catcher- it stays with you
author: Donna Derosa- North CarolinaEach time I listen to Familiar Strangers, I get a new experience. Something fresh- a new favorite. This music puts into words what we all feel or have experienced but can't articulate or communicate effectively. It helps the soul make the connection of head and heart. Beautifully Bittersweet and Powerful. A keeper. When's the next release?
a musical treat..... lots of fun from country to rock to acoustic pop
author: Eric ParadineThis cd has lots to offer from the superb production, to the wide range of musical elements.... You'll get a hint of country flavor as Guy begins with Here and Now. Things start to rock with Bermuda Love. But over all, you will enjoy the sweet love found, love lost songs that make this debut such a fine recording.... enjoy
A terrific CD that stays with you long after listening to it!
author: Jody GarciaEach time I listen to Familiar Strangers I find something more that I love about it. Whether it be in the music or in the lyrics of a song. You can understand and relate to every word that is being sung which makes the songs stick in your head long after listing to them. I really love this CD and am already wanting more - I can't wait for the next CD to be released... this music is definitely very special and a must to every collection!
A definitive mark on the acoustic/pop scene
author: Marc V. OrfitelliAn Album in a class by itself, "Familiar Strangers" weaves a tale of love lost and found, and hits the listener with emotions we are all familiar with....or should be. Young or old.....single or attached....do not pass this CD up.....it's a keeper!!!!
Quite a strong debut
author: Terry Allen, Heard Magazinesome definite high points... all of which will appeal to listeners who like their pop with a touch of country in the vein of a softer Neil Young. Quite a strong debut at that.
A poetic compilation of songs from an extremely talented musician.
author: Lisa Cote (fellow Folk Musician And Singer Songwriter)Familiar Strangers is a MUST HAVE CD! It encompasses the styles of pop, rock and acoustic folk all on one compilation. The lyrics are poetic and speak from the heart of a man who seems to have lived a lifetime already! The only thing left is to see it performed live!!