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Artist description
Henry Gross is a one-man Traveling Wilburys.
Classic American pop music of the first order.
Superior melodies and songs, sublime guitars, and
excellent vocals. |
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Music Style
Beatley, Beach Boys pop-rock with country influences |
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Musical Influences
Beatles, Beach Boys, |
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Similar Artists
Beatles, Beach Boys, Tom Petty |
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Artist History
See bio |
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Press Reviews
June, 2001
Robert Silverstein, 20th Century Guitar
NYC native Henry Gross is remembered by pop fans for a string of high quality albums released during the 70's and 80's.
Gross first gained exposure at age 18 as a member of revival band Sha Na Na and their performance at Woodstock is still the stuff legends are made of. A variety of album releases on ABC Dunhill, Lifesong, A&M and CBS Records followed with Gross achieving cult status among a contingent of in-the-know pop mavens. Moving to Nashville several years back, Gross returns in 2001 with a solid new pop album featuring support from top studio musicians such as Garry Tallent (bass), Clive Gregson (keyboards), and Wayne Killius (drums) to name a few. Henry's music still sounds inspired by the breezy, catchy pop-rock he became famous for back in the 70's. An outstanding guitarist and singer-songwriter, Gross still has the power to knock you out with a solid pop hook.
John Heidt, Vintage Guitar Magazine, July, 2001
Wow! That was my first reaction to this one. Gross, as some of you may remember was noted for one hit back in the 70's. That song - "Shannon" - was not exactly a barnburner, and apparently was about the death of his dog. I also remember Henry because it seemed like he opened every concert I went to in the Midwest in the middle part of that decade. Didn't matter who the headliners were, there was Henry opening.
So when I first listened to this CD and heard some great pop/rock (in fact, some of the best pop/rock I've heard in a while) I was pleasantly surprised. Influences aren't hard to spot. He obviously has an affinity for the Beatles and George Harrison's guitar sound. From the opener, "I'm Not Myself," with its crunchy rhythms and jangly 12-string fills, to the George-esque slide of "I've Got Love For You," he wears that influence on his sleeve. Other cuts bring to mind the late, great Harry Nilsson. The pop heaven of "Fixing Your Broken Heart" certainly would bring a smile to Harry.
Before you think this is just a guy sounding like his heroes, let me just say he brings a great feel and sound all his own to all the cuts here. And talk about hooks! In a just radio age, "Rosie's Garden" would be an instant hit. And the wah-ed opening and killer vocals and hook of "Mama, Who's Gonna Rock You" are the makings of instant classic rock.
Henry now makes his home in Nashville, and there are some definite nods to the capital of country music. "Lucky Me" is a great country tune with one of the best first lines you'll ever hear, "Waitress asks me if I'm famous, I say no…but I'm hungry." And the harmonized guitar parts and nice writing of "Since I've Been Loving You" has country written all over it.
Plain and simple, this is one of my favorite albums of any genre this year. Hopefully it will find a nice audience. Oh, by the way, the picture on the back of the CD has Henry surrounded by his guitars and amps. It's quite a scene.
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Location
Nashville, TN - USA |
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