Album Review
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Graham Gorrie refuses to be bound by convention or stylistic constraints on his fine debut CD, “Mark...Graham Gorrie refuses to be bound by convention or stylistic constraints on his fine debut CD, “Mark on the Stage,” instead carving out a rock ‘n’ roll path that emphasizes smart songcraft . Like his brilliant fellow Aussie singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly, Gorrie’s originality is borne out over 13 rock / folk-rock songs that are as meaningful as they are satisfying. Songs like CD-opener, “Closing My Eyes,” with its alternating guitar and harmonica fills or “Hard to Do,” with its effective female-lead interpolations, each display a deft touch for finding the right textural context for the composition at hand. On “Red Wine Dreams” Gorrie offers up a rare jazz-like ambience while the socially-conscious “Resistance,” with its engaging melody, calls to mind yet another Australian act, the great Midnight Oil. Throughout the album, though, Gorrie’s songs resonate with conviction and true-believer passion, making “Mark on the Stage” not only a particularly noteworthy debut CD, but one that will likely be a jumping-off point for an artist of considerable talent.
-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Interview Leicester Bangs
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Graham Gorrie
From Brisbane, Australia, singer, songwriter, guitarist Graham Gorrie.
Leicester B...Graham Gorrie
From Brisbane, Australia, singer, songwriter, guitarist Graham Gorrie.
Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself, Graham Gorrie.
Graham: I am a practical person as well as a bit of a creative dreamer. I enjoy growing vegetables, working with wood and keeping old machines working. I write serious but whimsical songs and enjoy exploring the meaning of my own lyrics. I call it oblique social comment, because the songs are developed intuitively rather than written to communicate a specific idea.
LB: How did you start out making music?
Graham: My grandfather took me to music lessons when I was ten. I didn't stick at the lessons, but playing the guitar became very personal and important to me. Later, I dropped out of university - several times - and hitched around the country with my guitar, visiting friends here and there. Making up tunes as I went. Ten years ago I started a band and played in Brisbane pubs and at Woodford Folk Festival a couple of years.
LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now?
Graham: When I started setting my own direction, I played along to old LP's of Jimmy Reed, The Doors, Savoy Brown, Pentangle and JJ Cale among many others. My influences are, I guess, folk blues, although I do try to avoid straight 1,4,5 structure. I try to be a bit unpredictable in my song writing. These days I listen to Richard Thompson, Brendan Gallagher, Martin Stephenson, Elliott Smith, John Frusciante and Evan Dando.
LB: Tell us about your latest release.
Graham: I have just finished "Mark on the Stage" which has 12 recent, original songs. A number of friends helped me out with bass, drums, harmonica. I overdubbed sitar, shennai (Indian oboe)and distorted guitar as well as synthesized brass and strings. The initial recordings were done in a commercial studio to capture the drums and bass. We did not use a click track at any stage, which gives a live feel to the music, and makes production a bit more difficult in the later stages. The rest was done in the field or at home with Protools and Sampletank on a Macbook. Overall, it took me 18 months.
LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows?Graham Gorrie
Graham: I play at folk clubs in Brisbane and aim for the Australian and international festival circuit. I will give an audience an unusual collection of original and thoughtful songs delivered with a bit of an edge.
LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy?
Graham: I enjoy the puzzle of developing a song from the germ of an idea. Trying out different arrangements and then bringing the studio developments back into the live solo playing. I like venues where the audience really listens to the song.
LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music?
Graham: iTunes and Amazon. CD Baby, MySpace, SonicBids and my own website (links below).
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