GREGORY DOUGLASS: Stark

Gregory Douglass

Stark

© 2005 Emote Man Music/BMI (629048089428)

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Evocative Pop

notes

" . . . Gregory Douglass possesses the voice of an angel -
an angel in league with a devil, who conspires to seduce you with beauty."
-Pamela Polston, "Seven Days"

Gregory Douglass' is an undeniable, pure talent. At the mere age of 24, the established musical virtuoso already has 4 critically acclaimed, independent CDs under his belt, displaying the songwriting skills of an "old soul" and "the voice of an angel" (Seven Days). Since Gregory's 2001 release, Teeter, his career has skyrocketed with increasing interest from the music industry, while his independent efforts and passionate performances have produced legions of unique fans, a dedicated team, and the foundations for long term success. With his fifth and newest album, Stark, Douglass pays homage to his roots.

Douglass' evocative amalgamation of contemporary folk, pop, and rock have been compared to Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley, Patty Griffin & Peter Gabriel, while he has been equally impacted by his love for underground female singer/songwriters. His intense, high-energy performances as both a solo acoustic artist or with his full band are consistently solid. Most recently, his accolades include being a Finalist for the 2005 International Songwriting Competition and the 2004 Independent Music Awards. He was also the winner of the 2003 GrammyFest in New York City, as well as the inaugural performer on the American Red Cross 2003 "Save A Life Tour." Douglass actively appears at listening rooms, clubs, festivals, and on campuses throughout the U.S., has toured with They Might Be Giants, and been co-billed with Tracy Chapman, Jason Mraz, and Norah Jones, among many others.

Douglass was born and raised in rural Vermont, winning local talent shows in his early teens. He taught himself to play the piano & guitar and began writing his own songs during junior high. He wrote and recorded the material for his first two albums If I Were A Man (1998) and Gregory Douglass (2000) while attending Brewster Academy, a college-prep boarding high school in New Hampshire. On graduation day, the schools' Headmaster presented him with a music award publicly announcing that Gregory was the first student he would ever encourage NOT to go to college, advice that convinced him to immediately pursue music full-time. In 2001, Gregory firmly established himself as a serious musical talent with the release of his third album, Teeter, building a diverse fan base in intimate listening room. A darker, more experimental album followed in 2004 with Pseudo-Rotary.

In August 2005, Douglass releases Stark. Inspired greatly by the parting of ways with loved ones, Gregory used significant life events that unfolded around him to create his most personal collection of songs to date. This is no more apparent than in the symphonic waltz, "Where Did The Music Go?" In this song, Douglass bravely confesses, "it always comes down to yourself in the end / always." Other songs like "Crazy Love" reach out for a greater universal hope pleading "come on crazy love / they say that you come in disguise from above / now I feel you coming in close / if you think I'm crazy then come on." Stark features guest performances from 2005 Grammy Award Winning Guitarist, Will Ackerman (Founder of Windham Hill Records) and Cellist, Martha Colby of The October Project. "It was an honorable experience collaborating with such incredible musicians and friends on this record," says Douglass. Stark is intimate, raw, and charters both familiar and new terrain for the prolific artist. Without much more than his piano, guitar and voice, Douglass' Stark boasts lingering melodies & lyrics and travels through poignant, haunting soundscapes.

"As a full-time independent artist, it is important to come up with new ways to remind people your still there," Douglass proclaims. With five years of personal experience, Douglass has mastered the art of grassroots promotion with the help of his fan base. Both Pseudo-Rotary and Stark were financed almost entirely by the support of his fans pre-ordering records and contributing donations directly through his website. House Concerts hosted by fans make up a large portion of his national touring; "nothing has more of a profound affect on people than performing in their very own living room," says Douglass. He is touring extensively in support of the new record, and quickly gaining national attention.

reviews

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  • Never ceases to amaze me
    author: Kalee

    Once again, Gregory Douglass does another amazing job with this album. Stark is not only very different from his other albums, but every track on the CD varies from the next in musicality, lyrics, and emotion. "Upside Down" and "Sail the Sea" are personal favorites.

  • author: Stephanie

    the blend of songs was amazing all around fantastic

  • You are awsome I love all your songs they really do touch my heart!
    author: deb

    I love the music it's like nothing I have ever heard befor. What an awsome artist.

  • Nothing short of amazing.
    author: Barry

    I've been listening to this CD several times a week since I received it. It's amazing the variety of emotions I experience when I listen. Gregory's voice, his awesome lyrics and down to earth music couldn't be any more perfect on these songs.

  • amazing
    author: timbr

    beautiful music made by a beautiful man. crazy love and upsidedown are my favorite tracks.

  • Crazy Lovely!
    author: Darius

    I just discovered Gregory's music over the past month and now I wonder how I lived without it! 'Stark' has so many sides and personalities; a work of art of it's own! Very few artists can express emotions on 3 levels, but this CD does it for me musically, lyrically, and vocally! It's Crazy Lovely!

  • Multi-layered beauty
    author: Amy

    I had the good fortune of happening upon Gregory's work through a friend. We went to see him in a coffeehouse and the song, "Sail the Sea" really stuck with me. I hunted it down and lo -- the entire "Stark" album is just as wonderful. Quiet, moody, insightful, confessional ... it's as musically layered as it is lyrically.

  • get this album
    author: Thomas Raniszewski, Out In Jersey Magazine

    I'm always excited to find good independent music. Stark is it. I stongly urge anyone who is cruising the reviews of cdbaby looking for something new and fresh to buy Stark.

  • Awesome
    author: Tina

    The music complements the lyrics and Gregory's voice. It is true -- he has the voice of an angel. I am going to buy his other cds as well! Buy this!

  • author: sarah

    this is my first knowing of gregory. i am truly impressed by the originality of his songs."under the gun" "crazy love" and "sail the sea" were definitely my favorites, but i also liked "better tomorrow" a lot. overall a very inspiring piece of work!! brilliant!

  • Incredible CD
    author: Cfnk

    This was an incredible CD, Gregory has the voice of an angel, I don't know why his music is not avail. at stores.

  • A diamond in the rough....
    author: Patrick S.

    I'm so glad i stumbled upon "Stark" and Gregory, thanks to an on-point review in OUT magazine. I immediately found myself drawn to the melodies and lyrics - great sign for me. After a long day at work, it's the perfect soundtrack for the drive home!! I feel special to have found this rather untouched diamond in the rough. If anyone had experience in choir, as i did, you will thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the use of the high school choir in "better tomorrow." I can only imagine how it would sound like live with a gospel choir and orchestra (just a thought GD)!! Make sure you come to Phoenix!!!

  • Smart, passionate, powerful
    author: Sue L.

    STARK is my introduction to Gregory Douglass--by chance I was at a CD release party/performance in Vermont and heard Douglass and STARK for the first time--but I intend this to be a long-term relationship. The lyrics on this album are smart; the music, mysteriously addictive and the blend of the two with Douglass' enchanting voice is passionate and powerful. "Sail the Sea" should be the first single. Douglass should win his first Grammy. The world should hear this album, re-examine itself and find PEACE.

  • Fabulous
    author: Alison Marchione

    Totally an amazing cd that definatly lives up to his amazing live preformances. I love it its all I've listened to for a week since I've gotten it!

  • Simply Fabulous
    author: Mikel Smith

    I'm still breathless. I enjoy the color of the music and let me tell you this albulm has it, pizazz all over the place. I haven't enjoyed this much of a personal interaction with an artist's work in years! I advise anyone who enjoys soulful, playful, jazz/blues/alternative to try Gregory on for size it was certainly the best advice I ever took. The only thing I could come close to asking for, is that the songs were so powerfull and real but after I had my time to relate I wonder who and what they were originally written about? It goes without saying I'm also looking forward to the next album!!!!

  • Mmmmmm
    author: Andrew

    This is a gorgeous cd. I bought this cd immediately after I had only heard a couple clips. Buy it!!! You know you want to!!!

  • The world deserves to hear Gregory Douglass!
    author: Richard Rothlisberger

    This was my first exposure to Gregory's music, and I count myself as a new fan. Outstanding vocal quality, intelligent writing, and soulfull delivery. A real find..and a "keeper"!

  • Love you Gregory!
    author: john beene

    The first four songs on this CD in particular are wonderful. Gregory sings from a vulnerable heart in a beautiful, comforting voice.

  • Great surprise
    author: Steve from Chicago

    I'm a huge fan of vintage music, not really what's coming out today en masse. This CD was a great surprise - it's one of those where you don't like one song, you like them all and think your money was really well spent. Great voice, great style - every song is a really full, solid effort. I'm wrapping up my weekend right now with some wine and yes, this CD. Seems like these songs come from a pretty passionate, talented guy. I loved it. It's a CD that will stay in my shuffle for quite a while.

  • HOLY COW!!!
    author: Harry H

    Stark is one of the best albums I've ever heard. From top to bottom, this is an amazing set. If you take a little Rufus Wainwright, some Jason Mraz and a bit of Tori Amos and throw them together, that's what you've got here...and then more. A truly unique voice and interesting style. I love this!

  • Wow
    author: T. Parker

    This CD is the first I've ever heard from Gregory Douglass and it's absolutely amazing. A perfect blend of ballads and uptempo, all the while Douglass' voice keeps you at ease, and never aggitates.

  • Absolutely Amazing!!!
    author: John Griffith

    This cd is Douglass' best yet, which is saying quite a lot, as the others were all amazing! I love this disc! Keep up the excellent work, Gregory!!

  • Brilliant!
    author: J. Green

    The songs are very thoughtfully written and are poingant and insightful. No redundantcies or campy feels. Enjoyable to listen to while thought-provoking. Inspired.

  • Just lovely :)
    author: Collected Sounds

    There is something about Douglass' voice that is so homey, comfortable. Almost lullaby like. The music is also very calming (at times, make no mistake, he can turn it up a notch or three as well). The music ranges from soft whispery piano sweetness ("Alibis") to full on pop orchestrations with strong voice ("Sail the Sea"). He has quite a range indeed. Though for the most part the general feel of the CD is more of the soft "ballad" type. (see full review at above link)

  • Something old, something new...
    author: vocalvt

    A little while ago, I purchased Stark, Psuedo-Rotary, and Teeter at the same time. Unfortuanately, I made the mistake of listening to Stark first. Now I find myself listening to it over and over again, and I have not been able to tear myself away to listen to the other two albums. The fact that Gregory's voice and the songwriting are all top knotch is unquestionable. What stands out for me is the balance between innovation and accessability. There is enough familiar material to grab and engage a new listener, while adding enough creative instrumentation and accentuation to maintain the attention, it stands up to repeat listening. This album reaches a broad audience, and is a good lesson for aspiring singer-songwriters, this is how to do it right!

  • Love you and love your music!
    author: Amanda

    Gregory, this album is so wonderful, I have listened to the last 2 and love all of them, but this album is just as the name lists "stark" you are naked in a sea of many but your voice and music stands strong and clear for all to hear and see YOU! I am so glad to know you and equally blessed to have actually seen you live and play a bill with you!! please do NOT stop, you write from your soul and it pours through out!! xo

  • What a pleasant surprise!
    author: Possumcowboy

    I bought this CD on recommendation by someone I know only through the internet. I had no idea what sort of quality to expect; I've been really really happy with this music! It's nice to chill out to when online, it's easy to listen to when on the drive home from work. In short, it's just what I needed to add to my collection.

  • It is a new challenge with a new album!!!
    author: Masami

    Without it determines passion of Gregory, and declining, it is a new challenge with a new album. I was become deeply disappointed that Jeremy's guitar play never hear in this album. But I heard brilliant harmony of Lisa Piccirillo with Gregory at "Under the gun". It becomes a big advantage for me that lyrics are attached. Thank you for Gregory!!! Submitted from JAPAN

  • Beautiful
    author: CKS

    This a gorgeous album. Gregory's voice is perfection - not very unlike that of Jason Mraz with its power and clarity, but with his own sound and style entirely. The songs are an engaging mix of honest emotions, and each track is strong. There is a lot of piano, and some great guitar instrumentation as well. The result is a sound that's simple and lush at once - just right for this songwriter whose songs thrive off of sincerity and heart. If you get a chance to see him play live, do. He is astounding as a live performer.

  • Another awesome album!
    author: Gloria

    Douglass never ceases to amaze. He has such control of his vocal instrument. Nice to hear strings on some of the tracks. "Upside Down" is definitely radio material. The songs take you through a variety of emotions. Love Lisa's contribution on "Under The Gun"--what a voice! A must buy disk.

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