Even though The Gravel Project’s first two records feature cutting guitar solos, which often embrace Duane Allman’s warm classic rock twang, funk and jazz characteristics still reigned.Īfter the show, Gravel dove back into alt-rock sounds that Eddie Vedder and Kurt Cobain spearheaded in the 1990s. “I realized that I had taken a departure from rock for a while.” This realization came when Gravel attended a recent Pearl Jam concert. “I’m revisiting earlier influences I had in life,” says Gravel. While building a strong creative community, Andrew Gravel moves forward through connecting with his past. With Boston-based blues singer Sonya Rae Taylor belting backing vocals, this track embraces a vibe present in the sounds of Tedeschi Trucks Band, perfect for an outdoor festival. It’s a song “about living in the moment with good people and good times,” says Gravel. Gravel also co-wrote the lyrics to “Not Alone” with his cousin Jeff Blaney. The grinding upbeat track “That Low Friend,” the alt-rock break-up contemplation “Long Lost” and sturdy love ballad, “Wishful Thinking” are all written by Andrew Gravel and his wife, Leslie. Andrew and Jordan Gravel co-wrote all of the music and most of the lyrics together while inviting two additional writers to contribute their words. Wishful Thinking is a collaborative endeavor. Jordan Gravel’s manipulation of the organ provides Wishful Thinking with a fuller sound adding succinct layers of harmony and rhythm to his brother’s guitar playing. Popularized by jazz pianist Jimmy Smith in the late 1950’s and later utilized in rock n’ roll by prog-rocker Keith Emerson (of Emerson, Lake and Palmer), this unique organ originally allowed studio bands to cover the bass part on soul and jazz records when there wasn’t a bassist available. The Hammond B3’s smooth screams are certainly a key factor in the group’s expanding sound. It’s a balance of Jordan playing organ and Rhodes solos and bouncing that off guitar solos.” “I think it makes the band much more interesting when it’s not all guitar solos. “I think it’s a little unusual for us to feature a B3 in the bass chair when we’re playing blues rock stuff and not just funk” says Andrew Gravel. He joined after the band’s self-titled debut record, and is an integral part in the creation of Wishful Thinking. Jordan now plays keys for The Gravel Project, both the Hammond B3 organ and a Fender Rhodes electric piano. “I think our bass player missed a gig and Jordan had to fill in the bass parts,” said Gravel. This was until 2014 when Jordan Gravel, Andrew’s brother, joined the band. He composed the music, wrote and sang the lyrics, and played all of the solos on guitar. Due out November 24th, this record features a distinct lineup change and a newfound emphasis on collaboration.įor years Andrew Gravel maintained the position of bandleader. On Wishful Thinking they infuse their roots with a dose of heavy rock. In corner stages and bustling lodges this team of learned musicians developed a sound that fuses jazz, blues, funk, and rock n’ roll. Since 2010, when their first recordings dropped-an EP entitled More Ways Than One -The Gravel Project has played bars, breweries, and ski resorts throughout the Northeast. The result lies at the heart of The Gravel Project’s new album Wishful Thinking. Imagine if 90s alt-rock legends Eddie Vedder and Kurt Cobain were to join the junior-high jazz band.
The Gravel Project’s new record, Wishful Thinking, supersedes the jam-band persona by melding gritty guitar riffs and improvisational jazz methods.
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