The Grant Farm: Self Titled

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Words By J-man

The self-titled debut album from Grant Farm could come at no better time. With the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom, spring overtakes Colorado with warmer days and longer nights. While many younger folks turn towards electronic music and DJ's, Grant Farm reminds us what it is to create music utilizing instrumentation and well-honed skills. "I Come From The Country," seems a perfect fit to open the album, eluding to the roots of Grant Farm. The track features Keith Moseley (String Cheese Incident) on bass and Andy Thorn (Emmitt-Nershi Band) on electric banjo. The band's characteristic "Cris-co" (country/disco) sound is enough to move even the novice string music fan. The next track, "The Times Have Changed," eludes to life lessons over a bright composition, before Tyler Grant dismantles the guitar. "Engineer" starts with the tempo and feel of a train song and unfolds with some great fills and vocal harmonies.

"Tell Me, Tell Me" really gives off the country flavor that Grant Farm has built it's sound on. Moseley returns for "Green Thumb," which begins with a more blues-oriented Hendrix riff that opens up to a poppy groove. Tyler's raw vocals fit perfectly with the lyrics, music and vibe of the album, reflecting a wide range of genre-crossing material. "Funky Boulder" prompts a rockabilly structure once again, but with the flowing feel reminiscent of The Allman Brothers lead guitar work. "High Country Ladies" eases in with an airy accordion intro from Sean Foley. Chris Misner comes in on the drums with a reggae groove, once again bending genres on this unique track.

The bluegrass classic, "The Nine Pound Hammer" is morphed into a rock song and features Bill Nershi (String Cheese Incident) on guitar and Andy Thorn on the electric banjo once again. The track takes off and gets really tasty towards the end. "Nothin' Gonna Stop This Train," features solid bass-work from Adrian Engfer and soulful organ work. The album's sound changes yet again with "Headed For The Falls." This somber track seems to vary so much from the rest of the material, that it almost doesn't fit. "The Way It Ought To Be" closes out the album with bold instrumentation and phrasing. Tyler opens up one last time to make sure that the listener is aware of how much of an absolute baddass he is on the guitar.

All in all, Grant Farm is one of the most well-rounded and diverse albums that I have heard come out of the Colorado string scene in some time. It's layered with instrumental goodness and advanced technical work. Grant Farm is not your typical country music album or band. With guests like The String Cheese Incident's Bill Nershi and Keith Moseley, as well as Andy Thorn's improvisational approach, there was no doubt that the album would be interesting. Coupled with the lyrical stylings of both Tyler and Benny Galloway, Grant Farm is a clear home run.

www.grantfarm.net

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