Marty Rocks The Rutledge! -- (April 28, 2010)
By: Matt Bjorke, Roughstock.com
April 9, 2010 4:04 PM'
We’ve certainly covered the release of former Shenandoah front man Marty Raybon’s new album At His Best in these pages but sometimes a live performance really gives a song or an album all that much more meaning and that is the case with At His Best from Marty Raybon. After WSM 650 legend Bill Cody’s introduction, Marty Raybon and his band (including guest drummer Billy Block) ripped into a rousing version of “Next To You, Next To Me,” one of Shenandoah’s most well-known hits.
After performing that classic song, Marty ripped through note-perfect renditions of most of the tracks featured on At His Best including the up tempo tracks like Paul Brewster’s “I Just Want To Touch You,” “The Heat Is On” and “Big Pain.” These songs showed why Marty Raybon is one of the country music industry’s most cherished vocalists. During the hour-long set Marty also showcased some of the ballads on the record, including his moving tribute to his son Matthew, “Still My Little Man.” Matthew is on Active duty in Iraq. The lead single from the At His Best project is “Daddy Phone,” and Marty discussed why this song means so much to him with his hope that it could help people avoid what has happened to the narrator in the song, the broken marriage that has put a little strain on a father/son relationship.
Marty Raybon is an engaging and entertaining performer that can quickly have the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand and in a room filled with many industry folks, Marty Raybon managed to get them to not only pay attention to the music but singing along as he closed out his show with “The Church On Cumberland Road.”
If you ever get a chance to see Marty Raybon perform live, you should jump at the chance to do so. If you don’t think you can, you should pick up the wonderful At His Best album because it truly is Marty Raybon doing what he does best, sing country music.
Marty Attends the Academy of Country Music Awards -- (April 28, 2010)
April 2010
Las Vegas, NV''
Marty caught up with old friends while attending the 2010 Academy of Country Music awards in Las Vegas. Shown in the picture with Marty is Tim McGraw and Clay Walker.
Marty Raybon - "Daddy Phone" -- (January 27, 2010)
By: Matt Bjorke
January 26, 2010 10:44 AM
Nearly 25 years ago a new country music group arrived on the scene with a lead vocalist who pushed so much color into his vocal performances that even a maudlin track was given instant ‘likability.’ While Marty Raybon left Shenandoah in the mid 1990s and has bounced around from label to label and from country to bluegrass to gospel to country again, one thing that has always stayed constant in his career is that voice. Quite simply, it’s a voice that’s been missing from country music’s airwaves and with the release of “Daddy Phone,” I am happy to announce Marty Raybon’s return.
Inspired by his own brother and nephew’s stories, songwriter David Mastran co-wrote the tune and with a lyric that is quite universal, particularly in a society where 50% of marriages end up in divorce. When listening to the first verse and chorus of “Daddy Phone,” it actually felt like it was my own life due to my own childhood where my mother moved on and married another man and moved my siblings and I clear across the country from our father. The melody is sweet but thankfully the production never overrides the message present in the lyric and that has always been a staple of a great country song and boy, does this song feel like a great country song.
This is the kind of country music I grew-up on, songs with a message that are relatable to many with a melody that’s clearly a country music song and while the lyric could’ve gotten as mushy as Tracy Byrd’s “Put Your Hand In Mine,” or any other ‘children of divorce songs,’ “Daddy Phone” simply doesn’t and that’s enough for me to heartily recommend this song.
Here’s hoping that country radio allows this touching song to reach many and that it brings Marty Raybon back into the forfront of the country music industry because, even though he doesn’t have magazine good looks, he still has, for my money one of the two or three purest country music voices in the world.
Shelean Newman, Perry Danos, Fisk Jubilee Singers star in GrandVista's Holiday Extravaganza -- (December 02, 2009)
Yuletide revelry in Nashville hits a high note and becomes a bit more festive.
by Jeffrey Ellis
Tuesday, December 8, GrandVista Music (GVM) hosts its first-ever Holiday Extravaganza at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's James K. Polk Theatre.
David Alford, former artistic director of Tennessee Repertory Theatre, will emcee the event that will feature the entire roster of GrandVista's artists, including the 30-piece Orchestra Mastrangelo, Perry Danos, Marty Raybon, Shelean Newman and the GrandVista Kids. The Extravaganza will also feature the legendary Fisk Jubilee Singers in a special guest appearance, and the only Nashville performance this year of David Alford and Paul Carrol Binkley's nostalgic treatment of Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory.
Binkley, the president of GVM, and Jo-An Fox, GVM's director of marketing and artist development, are producing and directing the event.
Described as "a joyous occasion for the entire family," Holiday Extravaganza: The GrandVista Christmas Show is expected to be a sell-out, according to GVM's Tiffany Duquette. Tickets are $34.50 (children under 12 are $20; and groups of 10 or more can get a special $30 ticket price). Tickets are available at the TPAC box office at (615) 782-5050, or online at www.tpac.org.
For further details about GrandVista, a multi-entertainment company that represents Perry Danos, Shelean Newman, Marty Raybon, Orchestra Mastrangelo and GrandVista Kids, or to purchase music by the company's artists, visit the company's website at www.grandvistamusic.com.
Click here to link to original article.
Marty Raybon Signs with GrandVista! -- (July 29, 2009)
It's a label that believes in producing new standards to achieve the finest quality in recorded music today. So it's no surprise that GrandVista Music is pleased to announce signing singer/songwriter Marty Raybon to the Nashville based label. “The opportunity and vision of GrandVista that I have been given is a dream come true," says Raybon.''
A seasoned and successful artist, Marty Raybon is the total country entertainer. From bluegrass to southern gospel, to the grass roots of country, Marty Raybon's career has spanned over two decades and includes five #1 hits, a Grammy award, and a CMA award. Raybon first made a splash in the country music scene as Shenandoah’s lead singer from 1985 until 1997. During his time with the band, they produced hits including: “Next to You, Next to Me;” “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart;" “Two Dozen Roses;" "The Church on Cumberland Road;" and “Darned If I Don't (Danged If I Do).” After a long run as Shenandoah’s lead singer in the eighties and nineties, Raybon has most recently been out on the road with his band “Full Circle,” playing over a hundred dates a year to a dedicated fan base.
Marty Raybon will be the first in his genre to join the GrandVista roster, which includes artists Perry Danos and Shelean Newman, the GrandVista Recording Orchestra, Quaver, and Orchestra Mastrangelo. "We're really proud to be signing Marty. We've got great plans for him,” says GrandVista CEO David Mastran. “I look forward to the grand scheme of the next chapter in my life with GrandVista" adds Raybon. That next chapter will include a country album, with a single slated to release later this year.
GrandVista Music gives older listeners new options -- (April 24, 2009)
By Cindy Watts. April 24, 2009.
Featured in the Tennessean.
Music Row is lined with independent recording labels, each with a different approach to succeeding in today's struggling economy. GrandVista Music, founded in 2006 by entrepreneur David Mastran and veteran Nashville producer Paul Carrol Binkley, may be unique among them.
Binkley says GrandVista is a "creative, collaborative community of artists" with a current focus on big band, jazz, orchestral and pop music. At GrandVista, artists are a part of the staff, collaborating on each other's work and receiving a salary and benefits. The label also works with a full support staff, including teams focused on marketing, graphics, recording, tour production and artist management.
The way the business is structured means GrandVista's artists are afforded both the stability and the business insight that comes with being part of a label's staff. GrandVista plans to market the music those artists are producing to audiences outside of most mainstream labels' 18- to 34-year-old target audience.
"David, who is now 66 years old, discovered early on in the process (of launching the label), 'No one is trying to sell me music. Why isn't anyone writing music for me?' " Binkley says. "And that led him to think, 'There are 150 million people that are my age.' "
They Aim For 'Baby Boomers'
Binkley hopes GrandVista, with its roster of more mature artists, can appeal to the "baby boomer" demographic he and Mastran see as largely ignored by the mainstream music industry — though he doesn't expect it to be easy, or quick.
"Our artists are a little older and a little bit more mature, so it's a little bit more of a tough nut to crack as far as traditional marketing and the music business," Binkley says. "What we're doing is enabling our artists to be really focused on creating their markets, or identifying their markets or reaching them over a longer period of time. It's much more of a long-term strategy than what has traditionally been the model in Nashville."
Upcoming projects for the label include Perry Danos' jazz collection Swingin' on the Moon, which is in stores May 5, and Shelean Newman's pop standards CD Anything Goes, set for a June 9 release. GrandVista also supports in-house ensemble GrandVista Recording Orchestra, and Orchestra Mastrangelo, which combines symphonic and pop arrangements.
Binkley describes the latter group as "cinematic" and says the company hopes to develop Orchestra Mastrangelo into a touring organization. GrandVista also houses a publishing division with songwriters stocking a long-running project dubbed GrandVista Songbook, and is also utilizing its video capabilities to develop educational music DVDs for children and educators.
"We're just into our fourth year so we've been developing all these systems and getting all the right people in place," Binkley says of the company, which has 16 full-time employees. "We are in a really strong financial position, so we're going to try a lot of things and can make a lot of mistakes. Even in the current economic climate, we are healthy enough that we are not going to go out of business if we make a record that doesn't sell. We're not walking around here terrified of trying things. … David says the talent is falling off the trees here, and you can just reach down and pick it up off the ground."
A Debut Performance! -- (March 30, 2009)
"The Long Gray Line" made its debut performance at the West Point Society of Washington D.C. Founders Day, on March 14, 2009. Originally an instrumental arrangement composed by David V. Mastran, the song was rescored by Paul Carrol Binkley and William Cosby. To personalize and dedicate the song, Fred Laughlin and members of the class of 1965 added lyrics.
On the performance date, Paul Carrol Binkley was asked to conduct the performance of the song. "I was honored to arrange the composition with Bill Cosby," says Binkley, "but it was an even greater honor to conduct the Glee Club in the song's inaugural performance. What a wonderful opportunity!" The song "The Long Gray Line" pays tribute to the graduates of West Point.
Introducing PerryDanos.com -- (March 30, 2009)
We are very excited to introduce our brand new artist website: www.perrydanos.com. You should go check it out, right now! This website is part of our effort gearing up for Perry's first release with GrandVista Music entitled "Swingin' on the Moon." We're only 42 days away!
And we know you're excited about this release. We know you've been asking about it. So, we're doing a GIVEAWAY! All right, listen up... All you have to do is go to Perry's website and sign-up for his mailing list! We will pick 5 winners each week through the end of April! Every winner will receive an advance copy of "Swingin' on the Moon." So head on over to www.perrydanos.com and sign-up for the mailing list. We'll email you if you're a lucky winner!
GrandVista Music is proud to announce a deal with HiFive Inc. -- (January 26, 2009)
Earlier this month, GrandVista Music signed a distribution deal with HiFive Inc. Nearly six months in the making, this distribution deal is a big step for GrandVista! Not only will we have a knowledgeable and experienced sales staff with HiFive, but we will be distributed through the veins of Fontana/Universal, which gives us endless possibilities for our music. It's a great opportunity to expand the reach of GrandVista, and align ourselves with the biggest players in the music industry.
Together, we'll be working with key outlets like iTunes, Amazon and Barnes & Noble to bring our music to people who don't yet know about us. As always, you can purchase any of our CDs, DVDs, or specialty GrandVista merchandise here on our site- that won't change. What will change, is that more people will experience artists like Shelean Newman, Perry Danos, the GVRO and Orchestra Mastrangelo that might not have ever had the chance. And that's something for us all to be really excited about!
See Our Recording Session LIVE via Web Cam! -- (December 09, 2008)
GrandVista Music is excited to offer you an exclusive opportunity to view a LIVE recording session from our studios here in Nashville, TN. We have been working hard to set up web cameras in our studio for you, our fan! '
Not only will you be able to see an insider's view of the music industry, but you'll also be previewing some of our newest music! You can choose to listen to what's going on in the control room, or hear the musicians play in the studio. Either way, you are sure to enjoy this exclusive online opportunity.
So, today, we're offering you a "sneak peek." Tune in anytime between 2pm and 5pm CST to watch a four-piece string section in action. Click here to watch!
After you tune in - make sure you give us some feedback on what you thought. Just head over to the suggestion box and let us know about your web cam experience. Thanks, and enjoy!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... -- (November 25, 2008)
here at GrandVista! I bet you've noticed some of the changes to the website! We've been sprucing it up for the season!
Well, get this: all of our Christmas CDs are currently on special! TWO for the price of ONE! As soon as you add two Christmas CDs to your cart, your order is discounted! This is a great way to get some stocking stuffers for the family, a hostess gift for a holiday party, or a treat for yourself!
Included in this special are:
*This Christmas, by Perry Danos
*How Sweet the Sound: New Orchestrations of Christmas Hymns, by the GVRO
*Smooth Jazz Christmas, by the GVRO
*Joy of Christmas, by the GrandVista Kids
So get gifts for everyone on your list, and order yours today!
The Holidays are Just Around the Corner! -- (November 13, 2008)
We love the holidays here at GrandVista! And, fitting enough, we have a lot of holiday releases coming soon! Perry Danos' first Christmas release will be available for downloads and pre-order as early as Monday! Smooth Jazz Christmas is a must have for the holiday season, and How Sweet the Sound, Christmas is a perfect complement for the Box Set series that you may already have! Not to mention, the GrandVista Kids have put together a beautiful collection of Christmas songs entitled "Joy of Christmas."
So, we're adding more to our company catalog, and hopefully you're adding more music to your playlist. This holiday season order more than one and give them as a gift. It's the gift that gives year after year; a gift that your family and friends (and you, too!) are sure to enjoy. There's something for everyone here at our GrandVista store!
Make sure you check out our other CDs because they also make perfect stocking stuffers. Remember, you can listen to a sampling of each song before you order! Here's to a fantastic holiday season... Sit back, listen and enjoy!
Review your purchase! -- (October 22, 2008)
We're always adding things to the website and new features for you - the consumer! Well, if you have bought one of our CDs recently and would like to review it - now you can do it online! Just visit the product page for the CD you purchased, and tell us what you like about it.
If you need something to get you started... think about the following: Why did you decide to buy the CD? What would you tell a friend about our music? Which song is your favorite? How did you find out about the music? Where do you listen to our music the most? What surprised you about the music?
Are you thinking about buying a CD? Make sure you check out the reviews on each of the product pages, too! They're a great way to find out what people like you are saying! And, if you've got an idea for a new feature we should add, just submit it via our suggestion box. We love hearing new, creative ideas from our fans!
Stay tuned. We've got some exciting news coming about Orchestra Mastrangelo, holiday releases and more!
We are teaming up with the Kennedy Center! -- (October 15, 2008)
On Saturday, October 11, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center hosted a Sib Shop to create art for a new CD of ours: GrandVista Kids Christmas. We got several great pieces to choose from, and are excited about featuring their artwork on our music! This CD has a variety of Christmas tunes like Frosty the Snowman, Toyland, Santa's on a Diet, and more! Each of these songs are performed by a chorus of kids of all ages!'
We are really proud of this upcoming release, and excited to be teaming up with the Kennedy Center. A portion of the proceeds that we receive from the sale of the GrandVista Kids Christmas CD will benefit the Music Camp at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Check back soon, because we are going to unveil the cover of this CD. You won't want to miss this sneak peek!
GrandVista meets Social Media -- (September 22, 2008)
There's so much more than just having a website, and we realize that here at GrandVista. With that said, we want to remind you to add us as a 'friend' on your Facebook and MySpace accounts.
Click here to see our GrandVista MySpace or here to see the GrandVista Facebook
If you have thoughts about our Facebook and Myspace pages, please enter them in the Suggestion Box. We want to stay connected in whatever way is convenient for you!
Have you heard? -- (September 10, 2008)
Orchestra Mastrangelo is now playing on over 450 stations nationwide! If you're curious what the buzz is all about - click here to listen to some samples of these classically-inspired pieces. You are sure to love the rich arrangements of these original and inspiring instrumental tunes. Orchestra Mastrangelo, Opus One is currently on sale, so order your copy today!'
And be sure to let us know if you hear Orchestra Mastrangelo on your radio station! We're excited about this release and the exposure it is getting around the country!
New Photos and Merchandise! -- (September 08, 2008)
Our show at the Limelight was amazing. You already know if you were there! If not, you're in luck - we've got a few pictures up for you on the Behind the Scenes page. Additionally, as promised, we also have some never-before-seen pictures of Shelean's photo shoot in New York City with renowned fashion photograph Pavel Havlicek. You can find all that, and more, on our Behind the Scenes page (click on page 2 and 3) under the About Us tab. '
You also need to check out our store! We've got some t-shirts available for purchase under the merchandise section! (Click here to take a look.) We've also got the I Am Coming Home DVD for sale. And as always, let us know what you think! Just submit a suggestion in the "Suggestion Box" or contact us! We love hearing from you!
What's New with GrandVista? -- (August 15, 2008)
GrandVista recording artist Shelean Newman is off to New York City! After a spring in the studio and a summer putting the finishing touches on her album, Shelean is off to the Big Apple for a photo shoot by one of the world's most prestigious photographers: Pavel Havlicek. We are so excited to share a sneak peek of these pictures with you, so keep checking back because you'll be the first to see them!
Meanwhile, Graham Hepburn (aka: Mr. Quaver) has made the move from London to pursue the development of Mr. Quaver. Graham has been in meetings, conference calls, and entertaining everyone here at the GrandVista offices. He's a valuable part of our team, and we're glad he crossed the pond.
And remember, we've got another Limelight show coming up on August 29th! Get your tickets early, by ordering them online! As a bonus, all of our GrandVista Music Club Members will receive a 50% discount on each ticket! If you're not a member, join today for free!
GrandVista Music joins forces with Propeller Consulting! -- (August 01, 2008)
You may not be familiar with the company, but we bet you're familiar with their successes. Propeller has been a leader in the marketing and development of children's television shows like The Wiggles, VeggieTales, Bob the Builder, Barney the Dinosaur, Angelina Ballerina and Hermie & Friends. They have partnered with companies like Walt Disney Studios, Walden Media, The Weinstein Company, HBO and DIRECTV, to name a few. Basically, Propeller is the company that completely understands family-friendly programming.
Why is GrandVista teaming up with Propeller? Mr. Quaver. Mr. Quaver is the name of a children's television show that GrandVista is currently developing. (In case you're wondering, in England an eighth-note is known as a "quaver".) Starring Graham Hepburn as Mr. Quaver, a wacky music teacher from England, this is a television show that aims to be entertaining and educational. Here at our website, we plan to offer you sneak peeks as the show develops, along with interviews with Mr. Quaver himself. Keep checking back!
Making Music on the Mountain -- (July 22, 2008)
The starlit sky was the perfect canopy for a dazzling show. The GrandVista Music Club was proud to host the very first "Jazz on the Mountain" series at Vanderbilt University's Dyer Observatory featuring the GV Recording Orchestra, and recording artists Shelean Newman and Perry Danos. ''''
The GVRO kicked off the evening with a variety of popular tunes set to a smooth jazz feel from the Dream, Moon and Love CDs (click here to sample the music). Afterwards, Shelean Newman lit up the stage and gave her twist on familiar songs with a set straight out of the American Songbook and accompanied by a rockin' band. As the final act, Perry Danos took the stage by storm in his signature crooner style. Couples and children danced their way throughout this one-of-a-kind show.
Not only was the crowd treated to the more earthly stars from GrandVista, but they were also provided with the opportunity to view the heavens through two of the three telescopes at the Observatory. Thanks to everyone who came out to this unique GrandVista Music Club event. Look for our next live event, August 29th, at the Limelight in Nashville, TN.
What a Show! -- (May 20, 2008)
Thank you all for coming out to Limelight on Friday! It was so great to see so many of you out in support of our artists and our music! And what a fantastic show it was! The GrandVista Recording Orchestra set the mood for the evening. They showcased their talents on tunes like "California Dreamin'" "Look of Love" and "Midnight, Moonlight, You."
Soon afterwards, Shelean Newman took the stage and gripped the audience with songs from her upcoming release "Anything Goes." In her dazzling red dress, she rocked the crowd during "How Long Has This Been Going On" and captivated them during "Someone to Watch Over Me." Keep an eye out for this woman, folks! Shelean is going to take the music scene by storm!
Perry Danos was the final act of the evening and had everyone's attention the moment he walked on stage. From the beginning of "Swingin' on the Moon" there were audience members bouncing in their seats, showing off their fancy footwork on the dance floor, and singing along. When "Will It Go 'Round in Circles" finished, nobody was ready for his set to end! If you want to see more of Perry, be sure to mark our next GrandVista Music Club event on your calendar: June 27, 8 pm at Limelight. You won't want to miss it!
The Nashville City Paper meets GrandVista -- (May 12, 2008)
The Nashville City Paper has written an excellent article about GrandVista Music. President Paul Carrol Binkley was interviewed for the article, and he offers insight about our company, the GrandVista Music Club live event, and several of our upcoming releases . Click here to check it out!
And don't forget, recording artists Shelean Newman and Perry Danos will be performing this Friday at Limelight. The event also features the GrandVista Recording Orchestra! It's a fantastic selection of music that you can't hear anywhere else! Visit www.myspace.com/grandvistamusicclub for all of the details! It's sure to be a wonderful evening!
The GrandVista Music Club Debut! -- (May 02, 2008)
The GrandVista Music Club debuts on Friday, May 16th, 2008! Recording artists Shelean Newman and Perry Danos, along with the GrandVista Recording Orchestra are set to perform! This event, which will occur on the third Friday of every month, is showcased at Limelight, a premier Nashville venue located at 202 Woodland Street. Come out for a night of great music! The $5 cover charge includes a FREE music sampler to the first 200 guests! Don't miss it! Doors open at 6pm. Music starts at 8pm.
Click here to read the press release about this exciting event, or check out the GrandVista Music Club MySpace to hear some of the songs that will be featured during these performances. We can't wait to see you there!
In the Studio with Tim Powell -- (March 07, 2008)
Tim Powell recently sat down with GrandVista Music to talk about his most recent musical undertakings. As an extraordinary and accomplished producer, arranger and composer, GrandVista Music has been honored to work with Tim on several occasions. He is currently working as the stage show writer and arranger for Orchestra Mastrangelo, a touring orchestra that plays original, uplifting music. Check out our Musings page to read the latest and to learn more about what's going on here at GrandVista. To find more information about Orchestra Mastrangelo, click here.
Spotlight on the Producer: Bob Mater -- (February 26, 2008)
Check out the Musings page for the latest from one of our producers: Bob Mater. He has spent a year and a half creating Romancing the Night, a three-disc collection of music based on three title theme words: Dream, Moon and Love. In a recent interview, Bob talks about his musical background, the genesis of the series, and his process for making each of these albums.
Not Just Any Grand... -- (February 12, 2008)
GrandVista Music is particularly excited about our newest purchase: a Steinway Model B Semi-Concert Grand piano. At 7 feet, this piano offers an incredibly lush sound. President Paul Binkley, Studio Manager Eddie Bedford, and producer/pianists Kevin Madill and Chris Walters spent a day playing different pianos in a wide variety of style, sound, and brand. In the end, they all agreed that this particular instrument was one of the best pianos they had ever heard in their lives. “This piano is one-of-a kind. The warm, singing upper register along with the rich mids and low end provide an even, sensual tone across the board that outshines even other Steinways. GrandVista is truly blessed to have found this instrument,” says Chris Walters.
Steinway & Sons is a perfect fit for GrandVista Music. As a company that has been around for over 150 years, their success is based on three solid principles: build to a standard, not a price; make no compromise in quality; and strive always to improve the instrument. Steinway distinguishes itself by sticking to these principles. Each piano is hand made and incorporates over 1000 details, which gives every Steinway a rich and unique sound. Similarly, GrandVista creates music of the highest standard. "We pride ourselves on quality at all levels" says Eddie Bedford. "We use the most talented musicians in Nashville. We use the best studio equipment available. It is only fitting that we would have one of the finest pianos in the world." It is a very exciting time here at GrandVista, and we’re glad you’re a part of the journey.
A special thanks to Bill Metcalfe, Brandon Herrenbruck, and Dan Crass from Steinway Nashville for coming out to the studio to celebrate this newest addition to our musical family!
How Sweet the Sound Musical Review -- (February 05, 2008)
by Randall K. Harp, President of WrapMusic.com
Recently, I’ve had the privilege of listening to “How Sweet the Sound”, a 3-volume set of hymns performed by the GrandVista Recording Orchestra, and is available from Grand Vista Music, Inc. (www.grandvista.com). For those less orchestrally-inclined, think in terms of NBC orchestra rather than a large ensemble of high-brow musicians from a European city. The GrandVista orchestra includes drums, guitar, organ, and even harmonica.
According to the liner notes, the orchestra is comprised of some of the most accomplished studio musicians in the country, and upon listening, I don’t dispute it. Virtually all of the arrangements are piano-centric (the work of producer/pianist Chris Walters), but they vary in style. Being a little more rock ‘n’ roll than country, I especially enjoyed the soulful arrangements of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and “This Little Light of Mine”. I felt like donning a choir robe and letting out a Shirley Caesar-esque “Hallelujah!”
Although most tracks are instrumental, a few feature talented vocals, including “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and “Amazing Grace”. Many of the tracks are suitable to accompany a personal devotion time, while others would be better suited for an upbeat gathering. Playing any of the songs as you entertain guests, or just while working around the house is sure to add a spiritual touch to your environs. All-in-all, this is a wonderful collection of hymns performed and recorded with excellence. While the CDs might not be the best gift for the teen who prefers P.O.D., this collection is likely to get a favorable reception from those who are familiar with good old hymns like “Softly and Tenderly”, “In the Garden”, and “Sweet Hour of Prayer”.
Perry Danos signs deal with GrandVista Music! -- (January 28, 2008)
GrandVista Music is proud to announce that Perry Danos has joined their artist roster. Perry Danos has recently signed an artist development and multi-release deal with the Nashville-based music company. Perry Danos, who has worked with a variety of artists and musicians, is a highly respected artist throughout the entertainment industry.
"I have been taken by Perry Danos' talent and versatility for years. It is thrilling to be able to work so closely with him now that GrandVista has given him a home!" says GrandVista President Paul Carrol Binkley. Danos is the fifth addition to the roster, which includes Shelean Newman, the GVRO, Mr. Quaver and Orchestra Mastrangelo
“I am excited about joining the talent at GrandVista Music. I am being challenged to grow as an artist, and embrace my creativity,” says Perry Danos. “All of it brings a new energy to my career. I am looking forward to working with so many gifted people.” Danos' first album, a compilation of standards, is slated to release this fall.
For more information about Perry, including his bio, click here
LISTENING PARTY SUCCESS! -- (January 18, 2008)
We celebrated the success of our first listening party last night. The GrandVista staff and other industry professionals gathered to listen to our new release, Romancing the Night. With quite the crowd, and a new studio space to host the event, we all socialized , listened to the music and brainstormed the night away! So keep your ears, and your eyes open for Romancing the Night - the newest addition to the GrandVista product line. We're really excited about it - and you should be too!
PRODUCING "HOW SWEET THE SOUND" -- (December 12, 2007)
Chris Walters, co-producer and pianist for "How Sweet the Sound" has recently sat down with GrandVista for an interview. He talks candidly about his musical background and creative approach. Chris also offers a glimpse into how he made these traditional hymns new again! Check out the latest on our Musings page!
JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! -- (December 03, 2007)
Smooth Jazz Christmas is now available to download! This holiday season, decorate your tree, spend time with friends and family, or host a formal dinner party to the soundtrack of Smooth Jazz Christmas. Choose single tracks, or the whole album – either way – you are sure to enjoy these holiday favorites. Producer Kevin Madill has crafted these songs with a touch of jazz while maintaining the essence of each tune.
Make sure and sign up to be a part of our GV Music Club, and you'll receive special promotions including discounts on our music, and pre-release offers! By joining, you will also have the opportunity to interface with our artists and staff through our message board! I's a great way for us all to stay connected!
Join today!
NEW CD SET ANNOUNCED -- (October 25, 2007)
GrandVista Music is proud to announce the release of "How Sweet the Sound," a series of CDs featuring fresh new arrangements of some of the most beloved Hymns of all time. With a true reverence for the history and meaning embodied in these magnificent melodies, we have worked to carefully craft a new and engaging listening experience. "How Sweet the Sound" is at times lush and tranquil, at other times upbeat and jazzy, but always purposefully delivered and expertly captured in high-definition.
This initial release includes 3 CDs of Hymns with a 4th CD of Sacred Christmas Hymns also available. As an added bonus, GrandVista Music has teamed up with Robert J. Morgan, Minister, Hymns musicologist and best-selling author to create a companion booklet outlining the origins and histories behind this great music. This is a must-have for the holiday season!