Jack Grace may not be a household name, but the Brooklyn musician and bandleader has certainly paid his dues and is worthy of your attention. What he may be best known for is for his musical contributions to films like Supertroopers and Beerfest, his occasional co-hosting on Sirius/XM’s Freewheelin’, or even his alter ego The Martini Cowboy. But Grace is also an accomplished songwriter under his own name and applies his talents to styles of music ranging from jazzier stuff to roots rock, the latter of which can be found on his new album, Everything I Say Is A Lie, due out April 28th.
Following a couple of tough years that included a dissolved marriage and a record deal falling through, Grace managed to record the album. Feeling a lack of motivation, he more or less shelved the album, but following a trip to Mexico Grace felt reinvigorated about the songs on Everything I Say Is A Lie and decided it was time to put it out.
The album features a duet with Norah Jones and was produced by Eric Ambel. It was recorded in Brooklyn, NY at Cowboy Technical Services. Jack Grace wrote the songs primarily on his 1947 Gibson LG-2 signed by Merle Haggard, Doc Watson and Charlie Louvin (all of whom Jack has played with). Eric Ambel and Jack Grace share guitar duties. It is definitely a recording that emphasizes guitar tone. Daria Grace plays a 1956 Kay electric bass and sings. Diego Voglino and Russ Meissner play drums, Bill Malchow sent in the piano and keyboard parts from New Orleans. Norah Jones and Lee Falco sing additional vocals.
Today Glide Magazine is excited to premiere one of the standout tracks on the album. “Run To Me” is a harmonica-driven Americana rocker that, as Grace elaborates on below, will bring to mind Neil Young.
Reflecting on the song, Grace says:
I wrote this song in a confusing time. When you are looking for answers, a lot of people can give you a wide variety of advice, some folks feel bad for you and just yes you to death (I’m pretty sure that rarely helps). “It gave me the answers now you’ll have them too, now you’re gonna know just what to do”. Meanwhile, everybody has two sides and the dark side is not necessarily all useless and bad, “evil has connections we could use”. I see, “Run To Me” as a cautious song, trusting and leery at the same time. Musically, it’s pretty much a nod to one of my heroes, Neil Young. Neil kinda invented a melodic harmonica style and I always love any chance to go to that place. Lyrically, I’d say it is hesitant to trust any hero, including Neil Young.
LISTEN:
Jack Grace releases Everything I Say Is A Lie on April 28th. For more music and info visit jackgrace.com.
