George Gritzbach - Sweet Misery (2021) (Roots, R&B, Blues, Singer Songwriter)
Channel: Independent Music Promotions
Date: 2021-10-09

We're very pleased to introduce you to a truly prolific American blues talent and exceptional song craftsman. Blues-based Songwriter George Gritzbach (https://www.georgegritzbach.com) has released a new album of original songs titled Full Circle, out June 1st on digital platforms.

Full Circle is Gritzbach's sixth studio release and showcases his first-rate songwriting talents coupled with a range of roots-blues musical styles he describes as roots rhythm & blues. Gritzbach's expressive vocal style infuses the ten songs on the album with grit and honesty.

Gritzbach is supported  throughout by a seasoned rhythm section featuring Scott Lariviere on bass, Christian McCarthy on drums, Johnny Menezes on keyboards with Peter Murry on saxophone. Funky horn lines add flavor, spice and texture throughout the album. The album also features guest appearances by critically acclaimed harmonica great Jerry Portnoy. Portnoy was a fixture in the Muddy Waters Band and also toured with Eric Clapton.

Stylistically, the songs on Full Circle, as the title implies, are written from a wide range of perspectives and moods. The songs lyrically range from the deeply personal 'Never Far Away' to the topical 'One Race Many Faces'.  'All About Now' sets a hooky groove that just won't quit while the lyric reminds us to stay in the moment. 'Sweet Misery', set to a smoky blues feel, effectively relates the stages and spiral of addiction to a love relationship. Among the most challenging songs for the listener is the swamp blues 'Black Rose'. 'Black Rose' takes the listener on a Bayou journey with a young man in search of purpose during which he  encounters a voodoo priestess.

The lyrics throughout the album all bare Gritzbach's unique and often surprising poetic twists and turns of phrase.
 
George Gritzbach comments on the wide range of songs on Full Circle:
"I have one basic creative rule of thumb or creative imperative, if you will, simply go where the muse leads you. Sometimes this is more difficult than it sounds, it requires one to let go, to step aside and trust the process. Personally, it takes emotional work to stay right-sized, which for me fosters the zone for creativity."

Stream "Full Circle": https://open.spotify.com/album/0WeO6v2mMkXY2mnUykeL90?si=YwCLW1nOSEmiiMJritoZ2g&dl_branch=1