DAVE MCGRATH: Dave McGrath

Dave McGrath

Dave McGrath

© 2005 Dave McGrath (744773002822)

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Mix of Acoustic based pop rock with a touch of Blues

notes

After years of performing, and recording with bands in the Seattle area, Dave McGrath has returned to his native upstate NY and recorded a very impressive collection of songs. Hear for yourself what years of dedication, and devotion have produced on this 12 song CD. The songwriting, musicianship and production are major label quality with great hooks, intelligent lyrics, and soaring harmonies. An eclectic mix of pop rock, Dave has a gift for infusing his songs with great emotion and passion.

"The very talented McGrath sings with great emotion, boasting well-crafted tunes that showcase such feeling."

-Michelle Picardo- Freetime Magazine


"This album is very well produced and the time and energy really come through in the finished product. I can classify Dave McGrath as a soulful, talented song writer and an inspired guitar player."

-Chad Myers- strangeroad.com

reviews

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  • @*@*@* SPIROGRATH *@*@*@
    author: T. Amant

    Remember how a Spirograph picture ALWAYS looked unique and recognizable no matter what size or shape wheel was inserted, or which color pen you would include to add flair to it ... the design always came out as some wild, far-out creation. That is the patented magic unique creations will always have the ability to bring forth. Dave McGrath is, similarly, a unique musician with the uncanny ability to carry HIS SOUND with him through to all projects he is a part of. In this incarnation he has released his first official solo album in his very own (Rochester, NY) home studio, and it is an amazing piece of work. Dave has learned his lessons well from years of playing with kick ass rock bands like The Puddle Jumpers in Seattle (and releasing three top quality albums with them) and Tribal Therapy, playing around the Northwest for a few years (that I unfortunately missed). Now he is front and center with his own album. His ability in the recording studio is very apparent with intricate and lush layers of rippin' guitar leads/rich acoustic guitar foundations, along with the great supporting musicians additions - the spiroGRATH cogs all combine in a fascinating spin of musical beauty, but still thoroughly recognizable as Dave's trademark sound (The Puddle Jumpers were kind of doomed when he left since his additions were so fundamental to the sound, no replacement could be found). None of the lines stray and the final product is ready to be placed front and center where it should be. Turn it up on a nice system and the depth of the sound pulls you right in and sounds incredible, really RICH. Congratulations Dave and the band, this is quite an accomplishment. The song-writing on the album has a good few years of reflection, changes and dreams well-represented. And Dave writes some great, hooky choruses while often bangin' you with his signature tight, toneful guitar anthems and soaring harmonies (check out Alone and Found it - that is the McGrath sound I remember - soaring chord progressions over tone-rich leads). Songs like Float and No Reason highlight some great fingerstyle guitar with harmonious vocals ... Dave has a very soothing voice (and it is so sad if he lost a brother ... the song is heart-breaking). Southern Blues/rock, kind of in a Skynyrd/Doobies mode is a fun diversion on a couple of songs (e.g., 55 & Mississippi Mud), and one I'm very comfortable with since I grew up near the river in St. Louis and southern rock is a staple there. I have always noticed a bit of that in his sound for sure. The other guitarist listed, Pat Petrone, supports the songs well. Maybe they are twin sons of different mothers ... I'm not always sure which guitar part is which, they have a similar sound (I'm guessing it is usually the more fuzzy big-sounding rhythm stuff, Dave's seems to usually have that clear liquid energy sound??? I have seen Dave's champagne taste in musical equipment on stage before, he doesn't scrimp - only the best). Can't Wait is a good example of it all played out: "I think it's time that we get moving, Get back to what we started, Not playing is worse than losing"; The two guitar sounds in a wall of thunder, the hooky chorus with reflective lyrics - A radio hit is born. I have to say, You Are is one of my favorites at this early stage, for the softer side of the album. It has a nice jazzy flavor with string bass, a bit of orchestration, and very pretty guitar. One Chance is a great closer, kind of sad but hopeful ... I wonder what he is really talking about? The instrumentation is just beautiful, and more stripped down, but still very full sounding. It would be interesting to me if his progressive undertones and technical ability (he is a guitarist's guitarist, but being polite to his usual listening audience perhaps - many don't have patience for extended length songs or intense guitar work) would find a home in at least one longer song per album, for guitar playing fans like me. Of course, his songs will "take him where they take him" - just a bit of wishful thinking. If you haven't heard of Dave McGrath, take a chance on this. If you've heard him already you won't need convincing. This is one of America's more promising and unique guitarists and recording artists. I'll spare you comparing him with many of my other favorite guitar player/musicians since he really has a style all of his own. It would be a shame if his music doesn't get the exposure it deserves - HELP SPREAD THE WORD, DAVE (AND THE BAND) ROCKS! And I hear another solo album is in the works ... I'M THERE!

  • I know David pretty well. A true test is when people you know like the music yo
    author: Elizabeth Cable

    No Reason is the reason to buy this disc. Dave's strength is in his song writing and acoustic expression. I know he rocks. This album shows that. His public performances show that. But when you are in his living room, if you are so lucky...and you hear and feel him stroke the guitar and sing with his sweet eyes closed, well then my friends you have him at his finest. No Reason is as close to that feeling as you can get without being there in Rochester's wild lands...

  • This CD is a very enjoyable listen!
    author: Todd Colegrove

    I purchased this CD after Dave and his band played a gig at a local automobile dealership...I was mesmerized by his sound and the CD is just as mesmerizing. Dave writes an intelligent song complimented by very engaging music that pulls you in and relates to anyones life experience...he has that knack of being able to touch you with his song. "No Reason" is my favorite track on the release, a haunting tune of loss that sticks with you...I find myself singing the song all the time. Other tracks that standout for me are "55", "Tempers", "Mississippi Mud"...though there is not a weak track on this release. The CD crosses over from country to rock and is appealing to a wide audience. It is very much worth the money...it is the kind of CD that will remain in your regular CD playlist. The writing, playing and production is top-notch.

  • Dave Mcgrath
    author: kimmy

    The songs on this cd touch my heart because of how the artist personizes all of them. I am especially fond of No reason, it manages to touch you somewhere deep down. Just when your feeling a certain way, your lifted higher with 55, the track One chance is another favorite because of it's unique lyrics.Mississippi Mud goes without saying, the diversity and depth of this music is what makes it special and stand out.Good job!!!!!!!

  • The very talented McGrath sings with great emotion, boasting well-crafted tunes
    author: Michele Picardo

    "A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll, sometimes acoustic, sometimes pop we heard the many faces of Rochester singer/songwriter, Dave McGrath on his new self-titled CD. The very talented McGrath sings with great emotion, boasting well-crafted tunes that showcase such feeling. My favorite, "Alone," is a beautiful and melancholy track that illustrates the depth of this artist

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