The history of Grey Eye Glances – the name is cribbed from an Edgar Allen Poe poem – begins with Jennifer, Dwayne and Eric recording a pair of Indie albums, “Songs of Leaving” (1993) and “Further On…” (1994), for their self-owned label, Sojourn Hills Records. In 1996, they signed with Mercury Records and released “Eventide” (1997) and “Painted Pictures” (1998). During the recording of Eventide, guitarist Brett Kull and drummer Paul Ramsey joined the band. Prior to “A Little Voodoo,” the group’s most recent work was the six-song EP, “If I Was...” An integral part of the band’s history is their innovative business sense. It was Grey Eye Glances who, as recognized by Billboard Magazine, invented the practice of using Borders Books & Music as a venue to perform and promote their music, as opposed to the traditional in-store appearance. They were one of the first bands to recognize the value of a website – something that seems natural now. “I remember a music executive telling us, ‘The Internet and music: that’ll never go together,’” Eric says with a laugh. Their innovative thinking continues. “A Little Voodoo,” on the band’s label, Sojourn Hills Records, was financed by forming a partnership with their fans called: The Grey Album, LLC. It seemed logical to form a company made up of those who cared the most about the music. “It’s a unique idea,” Eric says, “a band and its fan base joining forces to produce, manufacture, market, and distribute a music CD. We started with the dollar figure we needed to raise. We’ve been at this a while now, and we know what works and what doesn’t, where money is best spent and where it’s not.” To go into business, a priority is having quality goods, that’s where “A Little Voodoo” excels. The album presents a variety of musical moods, thanks to ebullient, uptempo numbers like “Big Red Boat” and forthright rockers “If I Was,” “He and She” and “Keep On.” There are the quiet, contemplative offerings “Good Folks” and “All Because of You.” “Close Your Eyes” and “The One” have the potential to cross over into various music genres. The album reveals the band’s musical strengths, a richly textured approach to song writing and arranging, and a perfect balance of rhythm, melody and vocal harmonies. |
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