You Sing, I Write: Artist of the Week: Griffin Anthony

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Artist of the Week: Griffin Anthony

If Griffin Anthony's debut full-length, Crazy Ways, is any indication of his staying power, there is no doubt we'll be hearing more from this singer-songwriter in the upcoming months. While he refers to his music as "Acoustic SouP," or an intriguing blend of soul and pop, traces of jazz and blues influence can also be heard.

Recorded in Miami, Nashville and New York alongside Grammy-winning engineer, Charles Dye (Ricky Martin, J-Lo), Crazy Ways has been garnering attention by music fans, critics and label executives. It can't hurt that he has shared the stage with notable musicians including James Taylor, David Cook, Gin Blossoms, Citizen Cope, Matt Nathanson, The Steve Miller Band, Erin McCarley and more.

The New York-based singer-songwriter brings to mind early Gavin DeGraw and Jack Johnson with his soft vocals and light guitar strumming. Anthony's blues inspired melodies and captivating voice intrigue the listener. Whether he's telling a girl to move on throughout "Let Go" ("Let go/Get up and go and snip the chord to the anchor that binds you") or confirming "It's not me it's you" on "Be Honest," he gets his point across.

Tracks like "Hurry Up" are sultry and seductive with slow percussion giving the song a jazzy feel while "Be Honest" has an instrumental interlude bringing to mind a jam band. The title track switches gears with a slow rap feature that is reminiscent to that of Jason Mraz. Always offering listeners something new, Anthony impresses on his full-length release.

Crazy Ways has much versatility throughout. Whether he's singing of new love or questioning life, Griffin Anthony provides much light. Watch his performance of "Sleepy Sunday" below and for more, be sure to visit him on MySpace.