Portland has turned out yet another gifted acoustic blues-folkster with D. Gross. Former member of the now-disbanded Los Federales, Gross has just released his debut solo recording Pirate Love Songs. The 12-song collection is a bare bones offering of well-crafted tunes. Gross performs the whole album himself with just a guitar, harmonica, a banjo, and the breathy country twang of his unique vocal style.

His stripped down approach to recording serves as a platform for Gross’s varied stylistic range. His songs stretch across the blues-folk spectrum with numbers like the beautifully bittersweet “Came and Went,” the dark and moody “Crooks,” or the rhythm-and-country groove of “Sumac.”

D. Gross also shows substantial talent as a lyricist. From start to finish, the lyrics speak in vivid, edgy metaphors dealing with both nature and industrialization. “Like a train on its side / I’d like to ride,” Gross sings on one track; “Gonna take me a lesson from the trees,” he sings on another.

While the songs are thought-provoking to say the least, listeners don’t have to try too hard to just sit back and enjoy the ride. As the lyrics swirl from foggy valleys and bear country to kerosene-fueled fires and wind machines, Gross’s guitar work is always pleasingly atmospheric and the arrangements are kept short and sweet. The overall effect results in rich and unique songs that beg for repeated listening.

It’s always refreshing to hear a distinct and original voice from the singer/songwriter arena. Cheers to D. Gross not only for his originality, but also for his accessibility. (Squirrel Music)

-Reuben Torrey

Northeast Performer January 2008