Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
I make my solemn pledge, to the best of my abilities, I will try, oh so hard, not to rave too much about Frank Grubbs’ self-titled sophomore release. But it’s a promise made half-heartedly, accompanied by serious misgivings. Because this is one great CD. Prepare for wildly enthusiastic ranting and raving.
Understated, dripping with sincerity, and powered by some serious classical chops, the project is rich, rich, rich. Grubbs’ vocals are pleasantly husky and clear, his songs are beautifully constructed, crafted to both entertain and penetrate. He is hugely successful at both. The first two songs are breath-taking in both beauty and scope. His classically trained piano drives both the passionately powerful “Not a Failure” and the truth-filled “Faith Is.” The first track cuts you to the heart with its story of lost souls redeemed by the power of God’s acceptance, and the second is like a soundtrack for the equally classic Hebrews 11 chapter. “The Mystery” reveal that Grubbs is just as proficient on guitar, his guitar chops as superbly sensitive as his piano abilities. Back to the piano for the glorious “Identity,” marvelously detailing the truth that “I am the shape of His love.”
The remaining songs are all equally personal, eclectic and warm. You get the idea: acoustic perfection. His message of faith comes across with such vulnerability and power as to be incontestable. What argument can stand against beauty? - Kevan Breitinger, Grassroots Music
Brother Frank Grubbs from Charlotte, North Carolina kicks off this self-financed CD with a gentle rendition of the opening bars of "All Creatures That On Earth Do Dwell" before launching into a series of his own compositions that softly encourage worship and meditation. Multi-instrumentalist Frank has a sound that encourages you to be still, so that you don't miss something. But the multi-talented Grubbs doesn't just stick to the guitar, he is also an accomplished pianist and, with a husky voice of real soulfulness, brings an earthy power to the stripped-down gospel number of "Faith Is". The standout track on the album is the uplifting "Nothing But The Blood" with the melody fused with a hammering acoustic and lyrics of stark faith to leave you with goose pimples. An understated gem. - Ato Erzan-Essien, Cross Rhythms
Frank's music is what so many have been longing for. I find myself wanting to sit back and soak up the lyrics, which are a wonderful blend of a biblical message with a practical story-telling approach that makes his songs relative to the life of the listener. - Johnny Gainey, pastor
Frank brought us a wonderful evening of music and storytelling. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed their time and many have asked when he's coming back. He was a joy to work with as an artist, and has so much to offer. - Student Activities Team, Westminster College
It is my sincere pleasure to recommend the music of Frank Grubbs. He is an outstanding recording artist and a very accomplished musician. God has not only graciously given Frank a great voice but has also blessed him with a fantastic ability for writing. - Leon Johnson, producer
Discography
Brother Frank (2004 Independent Release)
Black Bird (Coming in 2006)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
"Songs are like little tiny slivers of our lives, and as musicians we're always watching for those deeper moments; you have to, because it's not the surface that's interesting, it's not the surface that changes people." -- Frank Grubbs
Frank started writing in 2001 after returning from university where he studied classical piano performance. Influenced by a wide range of musicians and styles, his music is at once eclectic and cohesive; a thread of common experience that runs through everything he writes. Including elements of faith and American experience his lyrics touch the very corners of human existence.
Frank was born into a family of deep faith, his father a pastor and church planter in the mid-east. He grew up around hymns and gospel music and often heard folk and 60s rock albums around the house. On a Sunday afternoon at the age of five his parents found him plinking out the hymn-tunes of that mornings service on a toy piano. They knew immediately that there was talent in this kid. Years later, those early influences are easily spotted in the unique sound Frank creates as he sits at the piano or cradles a guitar.
Growing artistically and as a writer over the past several years, Frank has compiled a wealth of well crafted songs. In November 2004 he independently released Brother Frank, which samples his warm but intricate acoustic sound. While he thoroughly enjoys the recording process, it is in performance that he really comes alive; and one only has to sit with him on a couch to get a taste of the passion he has for life, music, and the God that gave him both.
Links
