Garrett Lebeau - Rise to the Grind

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 8 / 5 / 2013

Label: Music Road Records
Format: CD

Difficult-to-pigeonhole but rewarding debut album from acclaimed Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter Garrett Lebeau, who was born and raised on an indian reservation

Review

This summer sees the release of the debut album 'Rise to the Grind' from Garrett Lebeau of Austin, Texas. The record seamlessly blends a whole series of styles – from R & B to country-influenced folk, from rock to soul and traditional blues. It has been hailed by many US critics as something special and different – drawing comparisons with J J Cale, Van Morrison and Boz Scaggs. Garrett Lebeau is supported by some seriously talented musicians - including Roscoe Beck on bass, JJ Johnson on drums and Stefano Intelisano on keyboards and production values are impressive on every track. It is probably, however, the originality of Lebeau's lyrics that set this album apart. He was born and raised on the West River Indian Reservation near Lander, Wyoming, and is an enrolled member of the Shoshone tribe. His quite isolated, rural upbringing has clearly played a big part in developing his style, and Lebeau still puts much emphasis on what he has called the “raw, unadorned honesty” that shines through in his lyrics. Lebeau's writing draws on his experiences of a range of personal and social issues – like the tracks 'Brothers' and 'Darkness' where he reflects on the rampant substance abuse he saw plaguing the reservation where he grew up. But there is a lighter side too - and Blue Eyed Girls” is an affecting and loving tribute to his wife and his daughter. 'Rise to the Grind' isn't an especially easy album to pigeonhole – but it is a rewarding listen and confirms why Garrett Lebeau now has such a fast-growing following in the USA.

Track Listing:-

1 Crazy World
2 Brothers
3 Broke Down Dream
4 Blue Eyed Girl
5 Eyes on You
6 Dark of the Night
7 When Love Was New
8 Passionate Fool
9 Darkness
10 How Come
11 Rise to the Grind