TROY GREGORINO - music
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Troy's debut release, Grackle Tree:

Track Listing
01 Overboard
02 Iowa Song
03 Lucky Few
04 See You Off
05 River Boy Blues
06 She Said
07 One In The Sun
08 Solidarity Forever
09 What Becomes
10 Careless Love

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Grackle Tree Review by Sarah Laubacher

Troy Gregorino has approached the Athens arts scene from many angles, and while doing so has affected it favorably as a writer, musician and activist. In the weekly Athens Insider, he’s profiled and reviewed the music of local mainstays as well as the work of up-and-coming artists. As an artist he has frequented open-mic nights, spoken-word sets, and has been known to freestyle rap at fellow musicians’ CD release parties.

“Grackle Tree,” his first solo release, was recorded from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. one September day, with Josh Antonuccio at 3 Elliot Studio. The whirlwind recording process is apparent in plenty of places on the album; most tracks were finalized from first takes. The fast-paced creative session gives the songs more character and prevents any lethargic weak spots from creeping into the final product.

The album’s first track, “Overboard,” is an engaging opener, as it makes a musical shift from soft finger-picking to a belted refrain, and an emotional shift from trepidation to confrontation. This standout is followed by a soothing, nostalgic “Iowa Song” that is delivered with a Don McLean-like sensitivity.

Another folk-inspired offering is “Lucky Few,” though it’s of the political-protest variety. Less successful than the first two on the album, Gregorino could have delved a little deeper, lyrically, (“There’s a killing party and you’re all invited/don’t forgot to R.S.V.P.”) Though, there is a contrasting bouncy nature to the song that is appealing, and an abrupt ending that is thought-provoking. Gregorino expresses his desire for social change more clearly, perhaps, when he borrows the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” to beset the words of Ralph Chaplin’s “Solidarity Forever,” (1915.)

“See You Off” is a touching song, presumably toward a younger sister. “River Boy Blues” sounds like a bluesy, “Alice’s Restaurant,” though the guitar tone is more classic than derivative. Inspired by chord progressions passed down by old bluesmen, it has a catchy melody, accessible theme, and endearing kazoo solo.

“She Said” is a nice narrative that continues with repetitive folk song structure. Interest is renewed by little spots where Troy throws the listener for a loop and lets guitar replace an expected lyric. He also gives the tune an exciting ending with a welcomed tempo change, an interesting tangent, and some circular closure. This track proves Troy to be a reflective songwriter with an approach that’s admirable in its ingenuity.

With a strong voice, Gregorino delivers a sampler platter of acoustic introspection and storytelling, rooted in classic blues and folk influences. The casual recording style and Midwestern references make for a comforting listen, and the modern treatment to classic song-structure keeps things appealing.