Yes, Ontario-based soulful singer songwriter Bill Grima is an exciting name in Canadian music. His latest album, Sugar and Cream, is playing on about 80 US/Canada college stations. He is also an IMEA Awards nominee.
If you are in the mood for something not the usual, then check out the latest album from Billy Grima titled Sugar & Cream. I think the title speaks for the songs in the album, his overall style which, if you liken them to food; they are a stuff of good flavours. He has two video out on YouTube: Calendar Girl and I Miss You Baby. Sugar & Cream is an album that showcases his vocal range and talent as an excellent singer-songwriter. Experience has provided so much depth in his style of playing that people can’t help but warm up to his tunes.
Soulful singers have the capacity to express a range of emotions that tell you, this is what singing should be about. Singing is about expressing the longing in your heart. It is about belting out the blues that many can relate to, be it break ups, poverty, depression or any kind of day-to-day topics. Every songwriter has a story to tell. And every story touches lives.
Sugar & Cream will appeal to both fans of pop, country and soul music. Listen to samples below.
Recorded and Mixed at The Farm in Port Howe, Nova Scotia by Dale Murray
Mastered in Mineville, NS by J. LaPointe at Archive Mastering
Produced by Dale Murray
All songs written by Layne Greene (SOCAN)
Everywhere Around Here by Layne Greene
credits
released 04 April 2015
Layne Greene – Vocals, Guitar, Keys
Bryan MacDonald – Guitar
Alex Lank – Drums, Keys
Dale Murray – Bass, guitar, Backup Vocals
Christina Martin – Back up Vocals
Fleur Mainville – Fiddle
Devon Greene & Adam Johnson – Backup Vocals
Graphic Design by Kyle DeCoste
Photo by Kelsey MacLennan
I was so happy the day I received a copy of Everywhere Around Here by Canadian singer-songwriter Layne Greene. Instead of jumping in front of the computer and blog about it, I decided to hold the urge and go on with my life for almost two months to see if the novelty wears off. So these things happened along the way:
I take it everywhere.
I got two physical copies and one digital copy of the album. I am displaying the two copies in my book shelves because I love the packaging. But I take the digital copy where ever I go-to the gym, the beach and the park. Right now I am listening to it inside Starbucks while writing this blog. Lane Greene’s music has a way of soothing me when I am stressed. The songs also make me feel like I am in a safe environment. The drums, bass, guitars and other instruments have that sparkling but soft quality. I love the production as I think this is truly represents his music.
Every time I listen to it, I notice new things.
I love it when an album reveals to you something in pieces. Unlike most young singer-songwriters that sound generic, his approach is mature and diverse. Fiddles, glockenspiel and other folk instruments make themselves heard in Everywhere Around Here. This dude is really enlightening and you could spend hours and hours with his talking about genres and history of music and he has a lot to say about them. He loves what he is dong and he knows where he is going with his career.
He knows his assets and limitations.
He knows he is not Ryan Addams or Neil Young so he doesn’t try to be. When he sings, he does so within his range. He also uses his voice as an instrument, layering them, harmonising them making something awesome out of the ordinary. He is not a rockstar type but an artist who likes to make music as a lifetime career.
All nine songs are worth hearing.
The album has nine songs. Some of them already appeared in his previous EPs. I think he has more than five of them out before he was twenty-two. But these songs have undergone many arrangements. They have also experienced the stage as performing live is what he likes to do. I remember the many time he busked under harsh weather and people loved what he’s doing. My favourite is Quiet Places because the song has a good beat and it builds up this wonderful thing. But there are songs worth noting like Iron Town which has a special meaning to him. The current single is Look Out. You should see the video because it’s really amazing!
Layne is special.
He is a fantastic artist. He fascinates me endlessly and I love to chronicle his career. I think I will do so until I am old. I hope this post will urge you to listen to Everywhere Around Here. Get it and support this dude. There is no one quite like him.
One of those memorable sessions with Layne Greene (left) Alex Lank (center) and Bryan MacDonald(right)
Yes that’s the name of Bryan MacDonald in Soundcloud. This dude is kind of laid back and shy but he has a good sense of humour. His guitar playing is a must-hear for those looking for unique styles. He has already collaborated with many musicians and among them is appearing in the new album of Layne Greene called “Everywhere Around Here.” You can’t miss his style. It has that spacey characteristic along with the gentle use of reverb. It is hard to compare him to other guitarists but I recommend you hear him out. His sound is really different. It will blow you away.
If you are a recording artist or a band living somewhere in Nova Scotia, try to look for him and bring him along. I am sure he is going to be a great asset to your recording needs. He is always ready, all geared up to play his guitar. His many experiences in performing in front of live audience (busking and actual gigs on stage) have stood the test of time(and weather).
I am looking forward to hear more from this amazing instrumentalist. I hope to catch him in a new album by another brilliant musician.
I am a bit biased when it comes to bands where I know one or two of the members. I also like it when the music is different from what I am used to. It challenges my aesthetic comfort zone. Have you ever experienced that everytime you listen to a new band with a unique sound?
Tigershark members are Jesse McPherson, Kenneth Cunningham, Kevin Murrell and Layne Greene. Their music borrows heavily from dream pop and noisecore and then they added their own individual styles, creating a sound like no other. It isn’t something you can expect from a group emerging from the quiet town of Blue Mountain Nova Scotia, but it looks like they managed to hack it.
They have a new EP coming out in a few months, but no major announcement has been posted yet. I guess they are still making sure everything is good before releasing it to the interwebs.
Earworm is their new song. The term means a catchy piece of song that plays again and again in the head long after the piece is over. And I don’t doubt it. Listen to the first few bars. It’s got that hypnotic thing going.
Stompin Tom Connors was a legendary Canadian singer/songwriter. Alternative rock band The Marwills uploaded their own rendition of the classic. The result is a refleshing and heart warming tune that will bring sunshine to your Happy Canada Day. And you don’t even have to be Canadian to enjoy both the song and the ocassion!
The indie music blog 