Artist description The nine multi-instrumental men pushing Gran Torino cut their chops on old school Rhythm and Blues, rock, jazz and funk. "I like the concept of trying to bring back a more classic R&B sound," explains Chris Ford, lead vocalist for GT. When the four--piece horn section throws its soul out over two hard-charging guitars, it's like gasoline on a fire. Fanning the flames are bass, drums, piano and organ. It's a sound that builds upon itself. Help spread the word, and experience Gran Torino for yourself.

Music Style Rock/Soul/Jazz/Funk

Musical Influences Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Marvin GAye, Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power.

Artist History Roaring out of Knoxville, Tennessee with all the force of a turbo-charged hot-rod, the rock?n soul imbued Gran Torino leave a memorable mark ? albeit a sweaty one, on those who have had the pleasure of seeing them perform. Stylish, rhythmically enhanced and unquestionably a sure thing when it comes to live performance, the nine-member crew has delighted sold-out crowds for the past four years all over the East Coast and their home turf of the South playing upwards of 200 shows annually. Gran Torino released their first studio album, Gran Torino One, in October 1997 and captured attention by selling 15,000 copies. Now, they prepare to break through and conquer new territory, hitting on all nine cylinders with the pending release of their much anticipated second studio album, the aptly titled, Gran Torino Two."It?s been a really busy year," says lead singer/frontman and Knoxville native Chris Ford. "We made Gran Torino Two, which took a long time - we had to work hard to fit the studio time around all the touring we do." Ford cites a wealth of influences as inspiration. "As a writer, old Springsteen and Stevie Wonder are big influences of mine," Ford says. "As a whole, I would say the people in this band are influenced by R&B and a lot of the guys have major jazz influences." "I played with Jason, Scott and Pee Jay (GT?s horn players) in the University of Tennessee marching band," recalls Dexter Murphy, keyboardist and trombonist. "I?m more of an R&B guy and I?ve brought the gospel and R&B thing to the band. Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Tower of Power are my influences."Gran Torino also features Stephen Decker on guitar, Todd Overstreet on bass, Pee Jay Alexander on trumpet, Scott Pederson on trumpet and saxophone, Whit Pfohl on drums, Jason Thompson on sax and the newly added David Heyer, also on drums. The crew came together in Knoxville on and around the campus of the University of Tennessee. "This year, we hired David, our ninth member and second drummer," explains Ford. "He has a full drum set, and a half-synthesized drum kit. There is a lot of electronic percussion on the new record, so recreating those sounds is part of his job."Known for its combustible live shows, Gran Torino has attracted legions of loyal fans from New England to Texas. "We play the South two-to-one compared to everywhere else," says Ford. Having sold more than 20,000 copies of their first two albums, Gran Torino One and their 1996 EP Live at the Chameleon Club, mostly at their concerts, there has to be some kind of description of their magical chemistry on stage--and between band and audience."The energy is the key. I think that?s our number one thing." Emphasizes Ford, "We want our fans to come out to the show and for a couple of hours forget their troubles."Although the group?s moniker speaks of a classic automobile, the band has been hitting the road in whatever they could get their hands on. "We had a school bus that blew up," relates Ford, "we watched our van burn to the ground on the side of the highway. It was right after Christmas and we lost a lot of presents. That was rough. Right now, we have a shuttle bus - the Red Rocket. It?s our seventh vehicle."In the new millennium, Gran Torino will be bringing their music to the masses."I?m really proud of the record that we?ve made," says Ford. "Our whole thing for 2000 is Gran Torino Two and turning more people onto our music. A lot of our hopes are wrapped up in the success of this record. Obviously, we?ve sold a ton of CDs on our own and we sell out shows, but we really want Gran Torino Two to be the breakthrough."

Group Members PJ Alexander (trumpet, piano, organ and vocals) * Stephen Decker (lead guitar and vocals) * Chris Ford (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) * David Heyer (drums) * Dexter Murphy (trombone, piano, organ and vocals) * Todd Overstreet (bass and vocals) * Scott Pederson (trumpet, saxophone and vocals) * Whit Pfhol (drums) * Bob Maxon (saxophones and vocals).

Instruments Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, drums, organ, clavinet, and rhodes piano.

Albums Gran Torino Two (01/18/2000), Gran Torino One (10/97), Live at the Chameleon Club (12/96).

Press Reviews Of course we're going to plug this gig. Our beloved readers voted Gran Torino the best band in Knoxville this year and they're coming to town to pay y'all back with their funk/rock/soul/R&B grooves. For the last six months, this eight-piece, complete with horn section and organ, has been converting audiences from Maine to Texas. They've sold 12,000 copies of their latest CD "Gran Torino One" during this east coast odyssey and this show will have more energy than that pink bunny. Better strap on that booty so it don't fly off. -Adrienne Martini, MetroPulse Magazine, August '98

Additional Info Charge Gran Torino CDs by phone 1-877-626-0262

Location Knoxville, Tennessee - USA

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