Music
Press
“Earlier in the afternoon, an unusual duo called Sour Grapes played a set that proved the old saying about the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The Grapes (appropriately clad in purple) were each proficient multi-instrumentalists: Larry Ruhl plays guitar and harmonica, while Ellen Iovino played a pair of congas. They split the vocal duties down the middle, trading off the lead and toying with harmonies. Just when it seemed like they both had their hands full, they started, well, tapdancing! Turns out the pair had an ace up their sleeve in the form of tap shoes, which they used in a massive tap breakdown in the center of their most overtly political song. It was like vaudeville cheerleader protest folk -- which is funky enough to get a smile out of me.”
- Hartford Advocate, September 2005
“Larry and Ellen have an eclectic, high-energy sound that crosses the sound and vocal agility of Rusted Root with the good-natured JOY of... of what? I don't really know - it's not jam band altered-state amiability, and it's not pre-planned and coldly executed folk fun... it was something that reminded me of my old partner, Audrey, and something that reminded me of sledding... joyriding down a hill and laughing with the sheer frenetic joy of it.
Sour Grapes really was anything BUT their name. Ellen is one Hell of a percussionist, one Hell of a vocalist. Larry is a great harmonica player, and they both have some rapid-fire vocal abilities and an almost Brazilian rhythmic sensibility. And add to that their REAL hook - tap dancing. I'm going to leave it there, cause I can't do it all justice - I'm hoping we can drag them down to Maryland at some point. Y'all would enjoy them muchly.”
- Ilyaimy Trip Journal, May 2005
“Sour Grapes brought something completely different. Ellen Iovino plays the congas (not bongos!) and Larry Ruhl strums acoustic and blows harmonica, while both sing, and both tap dance. That's right, I said Tap Dance. Residents of Connecticut, they bring their own floor and tap shoes, and punctuate their rollicking songs with persuasive percussion. The overall effect is of a 21st Century vaudeville act, and anyone who can sit through their set without a smile creeping onto their face must be extremely depressed. This self-described "tribal folk" duo will "try anything to get you up to dance," but also warn that there is "absolutely no nude dancing in here." - Aural Fix Magazine, April 2005
Ellen Iovino and Larry Ruhl are like the White Stripes of the hippie rock scene. The Sour Grapes duo bangs out stripped-down acoustic rock that is buoyed by rich vocal harmonies and tap dancing.
We're treated to songs about making love in the early evening ("Meet Me In The Middle), trolling for guys in Hartford (the suggestively titled "Hot Dog Man") and what it's like to play for people in the nutmeg state ("All Around Connecticut").
All in all, an excellent change of pace played well and with a lot of heart.
- The Hartford Advocate June 10, 2004
Excellent singing and songwriting combined with "tap dance" percussion make "Sour Grapes" one of the more unique duets around. - Umo.com, 2/1/2004
“Combining rootsy, lyric-centered, acoustic foundations and vocal harmonies with nontraditional percussion (congas and tap shoes), the group blends pop-folk sensibilities with an added rhythmic twist. The cd is packed with infectious songs that are incredibly engaging because of the sweet vocal melodies and harmonies”
- WWUH Program Guide, March/April 2001
"Sour Grapes try to make use of as much sound as they can… from tapping shoes, neck harmonica, guitar, cymbals welded to the bongoes. Both of the musicians sing. If you think about it, that’s one weird orchestra." - The New Haven Advocate
“If you haven't seen Sour Grapes, you haven't seen the most unique band to visit Bands on the Road… Take this eclectic mix of instruments, add some fun lyrics, them wrap it around a fun groove, and you have what Sour Grapes calls "Tribal Folk". Not only is Sour Grapes’ music fun, nicely arranged, interesting, but the band exudes a certain spirit that just makes you want to smile and tap along.” - Win-TV Taping Review
Discography
"Hard To Be a Nut" released 2000
"Divine Grind" released 2003
"14 Best Singer/Songwriters of Greenwich Village - 2004" - produced by UMO Music, New York City
"14 Best Singer/Songwriters of Greenwich Village - 2005" - produced by UMO Music, New York City
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Watch video of Sour Grapes at http://www.youtube.com/sourgrapesmusic
Sour Grapes is an acoustic duo that serves up infectious beats and a positive attitude. Their eclectic sound, which they describe as “Melting Pot Music”, is, at once, both 100% American and multicultural, and reflects influences which cross world, folk, pop and jazz genres. The band was chosen 2 years in a row as one of “The 14 Best Singer / Songwriters of Greenwich Village” by New York City’s Underground Music Organization. They have opened for such acts as Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks and for Gordon Stone. Combining acoustic guitar, harmonica, dual vocals, congas, and tap shoes (yes, tap shoes!), the result is a full sound and a lively performance designed to get you moving to the beat. And it works!
But don’t just take our word for it.
“There’s a liveliness to your music and that’s what grabbed me in the club when I saw you.”
- Glen Hochstetter, live broadcast, WPKN, Bridgeport
“Not only is Sour Grapes’ music fun, nicely arranged, interesting, but the band exudes a certain spirit that just makes you want to smile and tap along.”
- Paul Cappa, Sound Engineer, Bands on the Road Music showcase
“The overall effect is of a 21st Century vaudeville act, and anyone who can sit through their set without a smile creeping onto their face must be extremely depressed.”
- Alan Civil, Aural Fix Magazine, April 2005
“I gotta tell ya, I saw these folks at CBGBs last year.
They are DIFFERENT. It's the kind of music that has you on your feet and dancing about from the first song.”
- RichS, Long Island Music Coalition
“Thanks for a great evening; although the other groups were well received SOUR GRAPES ruled the evening performances. We truly enjoyed you!!!! I was also planning on passing along your info to our Entertainment & Activities Committee with the idea that you would be an excellent choice for one of our parties.”
- Gail Marotti-Hossan, Canoe Trip Leader, OC Ski Club, Albany
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