Album Description:
Take the Gamble, the new release by Dave Gross is anything but a gamble as it loudly affirms that 21 year-old Dave may be the most versatile performer of roots music to arrive on the scene in quite some time. Under the eye of producer, Duke Robillard, Dave nimbly glides from decade to decade, revealing his impressive command of the many styles of blues and swing. Dave demonstrates that his phrasing and virtuoso chops are the equal of just about any guitar hero. Dave also shows that he is a skilled songwriter whose poignant lyrics and stylish melodies seem to be written by someone far older; credited for 9 out of the 14 songs on this record. His vocals range from bluesy, down and dirty to almost crooner-like.
The CD kicks off with "Gatemouth" Brown's foot-stomping classic "She Walks Right In" flowing right into his own tune with New Orleans roots, "Mess On My Plate" – both with a killer horn section. The album is laced with strong originals complimented by 4 carefully chosen covers. Dave and the Duke fire licks back and forth on "I'm Leavin' Baby," while Duke plays beautiful rhythm guitar on the swing classic, "After You've Gone." Throughout the record, Dave pays tribute to his heroes; T-Bone Walker ("I Know Your Wig Is Gone", "I’m So Hungry Blues"), Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt ("Swingin’ On All Six", "After You’ve Gone"), among a stew of influences that never seem to overshadow Dave's own unique voice. He brilliantly weaves from style to style while never compromising who "Dave Gross" is.
Dave is backed by an all-star cast including Duke Robillard (guitar), Doug James (baritone/tenor sax), Dennis Gruenling (harmonica), Al Basile (cornet), Arthur Neilson (upright bass, guitar), AJ Hager (Fender bass), Doña Oxford (piano/organ) and Mark Teixeira and Matt Mousseau (drums).
Biography:
At only 21, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Dave Gross leads a band of some of the finest players in the country, with blues roots that branch out in countless directions. Dave's creativity and love for the original blues and jazz masters bring new life to the music scene, resulting in a hybrid music form that combines blues from the 40's and 50's with swing from the 30's and 40's.
Dave's musical abilities have been described as being "so amazing, its scary." He is a world-class guitarist who seamlessly moves from Chicago blues to swing to rockabilly to gypsy jazz and beyond. As a singer, he skillfully handles styles from Mississippi Delta blues to standards. As a songwriter, Dave's interesting melodies surround mature, heartfelt lyrics that belie his age. As a performer, Dave has an electrifying presence that has won him a growing legion of fans who believe that he is one of the top players in the country.
Despite his young age, Dave has already shared stages with such national blues artists and legends as Hubert Sumlin, Duke Robillard, Popa Chubby, Debbie Davies, Bettye LaVette, Arthur Neilson, Sax Gordon, Doug "Mr. Low" James, Nick Moss, Willie Kent, Dennis Gruenling & Jumptime, Big Ed Sullivan, Joe Taino, Christine Santelli, Stephane Wrembel, Doña Oxford, among many other notable artists.
Dave has been influenced by a wide range of musicians that include T-Bone Walker, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Charlie Christian, BB King, Charles Brown, Arthur Neilson, Wynonie Harris, Django Reinhardt, Duke Robillard, Jimmy Rushing, Bill Jennings, Jimmie Vaughan, and Tiny Grimes to name a few.
These influences and Dave's extraordinary talents are showcased in his new album "Take The Gamble," produced by the legendary Duke Robillard. The new record includes 9 original and 4 cover songs, and truly reveals Dave's phenomenal growth as an artist. The album showcases Dave's diverse guitar and writing style, touching upon traditional and contemporary blues, swing, country, jazz and rock. It features special guests, including Duke Robillard, Doug James, Dennis Gruenling, Al Basile, and Doña Oxford.
In 2004, at the age of 19, Dave cut his exciting debut album "You Don't Love Me." The album was recorded "live" and captures his mature phrasing, sophisticated technical ability, rich tone and tremendous enthusiasm.
It has been remarkable to witness the evolution of Dave Gross as an artist. Having accomplished so much, so soon, one can only wonder where Dave's considerable talents will lead him.
See what others are saying:
"There is one guitar player out of New Jersey. His name is Dave Gross. He can play, man! I mean, that boy can smoke! I sure like to bring him out with me on the road one day!"
Hubert Sumlin, Blues Legend
www.HubertSumlinBlues.com
"On this, Dave Gross' second CD effort, he shows enormous growth as a player, singer and writer. With influences as diverse as T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian, Albert Collins and Danny Gatton, he molds his performances into his own voice, showcasing his impressive improvisational skills and technique on guitar, but never at the expense of the song. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with among contemporary roots and blues guitarists."
Duke Robillard, Blues Legend
www.DukeRobillard.com
"In every town I go there is a kid with a guitar who is out to cut heads. Usually upon hearing them I think to myself 'what a wanker.' When I heard Dave my ears stood up and I thought 'man this kid can play!' I love it when someone half my age and size makes me work twice as hard. Look out for Dave Gross."
Popa Chubby
www.PopaChubby.com
"With so many young-gun guitar players trying to out-chop each other and sing in false, roughed-up voices in an attempt to emulate Stevie Ray or Jonny Lang, it's so refreshing to discover Dave Gross. Here is a young man who is digging deep into the blues, studying all of the masters, and yet simultaneously committed to finding his own voice as an artist."
Debbie Davies
www.DebbieDavies.com
"Every time I hear Dave Gross play he gets better and better! I only wish I played that good when I was his age. He's pretty amazing."
Arthur Neilson
www.ArthurNeilson.com
"Dave Gross is one of our most exciting new talents. Dave plays guitar not only with the technical skill, but with the intensity and depth of emotion that you'd expect in a much more seasoned player. Also a fine singer, Dave has been leading his own group in area venues, as well as playing alongside some of the region's best established players. Those of us present at this naissance can only wait and see where his guitar---and his heart---will take him next."
Blues Who New York
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.DaveGrossBand.comTrack List:
1. She Walks Right In
2. Mess On My Plate
3. I'm Leavin' Baby
4. I'm So Hungry Blues
5. Swingin' On All Six
6. Walkin' In A Daze
7. That's All You Get
8. You Ain't Playin' Me No More
9. I Know Your Wig Is Gone
10. After You've Gone
11. Movin' On Down The Line
12. Once Had A Girl
13. Make Things Right
Other Genres: