Grand Revue is the sum of eight talented musicians playing styles ranging from Funk to Folk and many in between. These styles are added together to equal their own unique Roots Rock sound. Grand Revue’s distinct line-up includes: female and male vocals, guitar, two saxophones, flute, keys, bass, drums and percussion. To its members, this orchestration allows a constant stream of fresh possibilities to their own music, as well as the surrounding music scene.
The members of Grand Revue are no strangers to the professional venues of Nashville, playing individually at various locations including AmSouth Amphitheatre, 3rd & Lindsley, the Boro and The Exit In, to name a few. “We’re really lucky to live around Nashville, a town with boundless opportunities and venues, where we can perform our music,” says drummer Josh Van Valkenburg.
The formation of Grand Revue began in August of 2002, with the songwriting collaboration between guitarist Paul Cavitt and bassist / vocalist David Guy. After one successful encounter, a partnership was created and the search for other musicians began. Soon thereafter David contacted longtime musical partner Josh Van Valkenburg, a drummer and songwriter, and inquired about starting a band.
With Josh on board and the desire for a female vocalist, the logical choice was Josh’s songwriting colleague, Jenny Gill. Though the intentions were clear for a larger band from the beginning, this early line-up allowed the songwriters a forum for further experimentation.
After four months of practice and continuous writing, Grand Revue increased its number by adding Jody Douglas on saxophone and flute. With this addition, the urgency to complete the line-up became apparent. A chance meeting with a keyboardist and future member, Pablo Ahogado, provided the means to finish the group. Pablo’s involvement in the local salsa band, Abakuá, enabled the introduction and acquisition of saxophonist Ryan Latham and percussionist Stephen Richardson into Grand Revue.
Now that the ideal members were in place, both musically and personally, the polishing of their orchestrated sound began. This led to their first recording project entitled The Uptown EP. Grand Revue’s first release, The Uptown EP, was recorded with engineer Patrick Damphier (CODA) at County Q Studios in Nashville as well as some overdubs in Patrick’s living room. The EP kicks off with an up-beat, catchy trackentitled “Funky Kitten,” where both male and female vocalists trade-off lines while the band forces you to feel the tune’s funky groove.
As the CD continues, its songs run parallel to Grand Revue’s pledge of new beginnings and better places. The lyrics of such songs as “Uptown” and “Trail to Truth,” create a true connection between the band and the listener. “Trail to Truth” speaks of running away and finding one’s purpose, while the music takes you on its own journey of self-realization.
“Are You in the Mood?,” another track from The Uptown EP, signifies love as the refuge for those that seek something more in their lives. This song is also important because it shows the versatility of Grand Revue with its mini-concerto, featuring the haunting melodies of the tenor sax and flute, climaxing to an outstanding performance by vocalist, Jenny Gill.
In their journey to bring the fresh sounds of Grand Revue’s Roots Rock style with their unique eight-piece orchestration, the plan remains simple: introduce new ideas with endless possibilities and have a great time every step of the way. One line from The Uptown EP sums up Grand Revue’s approach to music as well as their lives, “As we fight for our life of uncertainty, this invincible fate by our side, don’t give up on me.”
Copyright 2003 Grand Revue
