It’s not often that an independent musician finds himself in the company of a multi-platinum artist, but that’s just another day in the studio for David Greco. For his latest album, The Art of Disassembly, the San Francisco based singer-songwriter called on the musical talents of the drummer and guitarist for Grammy nominated band, The Fray. Although they were working on a million dollar project of their own, David had no problem securing their help for his album, because they believe in the weight and direction of his music.
The direction, as it turns out, is intentionally backward. With songs penned about the women in his life, including his wife, three ex-girlfriends, and the Biblical character Hannah, David takes the listener on a journey to come undone. “The theme of this album unfolded over time—it gradually became obvious that the songs all spoke of moving toward contentment through deconstruction.” While most people would fear writing an album that unveiled so many closeted skeletons, he embraced the task for the sake of healing that comes from self-disclosure. And every listener is invited to join him on the journey.
“The stories, the lyrics—they’re the focus of my music,” David says. And with good reason. With lines like, “My whole life is juxtaposed / to all the things I say that I believe /
I’m just a billboard sign for my discrepancies,” people are guaranteed to trudge into the depths of their own depravity alongside him.
The bittersweet arc of Disassembly is held together by the beautiful soaring melodies that have a tendency to make you forget how painful the lyrics are. It’s the technique of a master—adding pieces of darkness to pieces of light in order to create a beautiful, audible landscape. His lush vocals lean into the quirky atmospheres of David Gray and Snow Patrol. Overall, he’s a grown-up version of a 14-year-old Jason Falkner on a synthed-out John Lennon kick, merging the rarely combined elements of pop music and thoughtful words.
With songs like the ones on Disassembly taking center stage, it doesn’t matter what size venue David plays. In fact, he prefers the smaller ones. “‘Rock star’ isn’t a very good label for me. In a bar or a music venue, there’s a competition with the atmosphere—one that detracts from the intimacy. House shows seem to be the place where I can display the best version of myself and my songs.” Primarily, he considers himself an enabler of connection. He excels at building a network of listeners whom he considers friends instead of fans, hanging out with those who attend the house concerts, and building relationships with everyone through the stories his songs tell—ones that seem vaguely reminiscent of our own lives.
When you’re given the chance to relax on a couch and hear David play his songs live, take a cue from the members of The Fray. Invest. Connect. And indulge yourself in the unique stories of a man who prefers to walk the journey alongside his listeners instead of from the safe distance of an arena stage. It may indeed be the path of deconstruction, but it sounds like he’s unveiling something beautiful.
"Sweet bird! thy bow'r is ever green, Thy sky is ever clear; thou hast no sorrow in thy song, No winter in thy year." - John Logan, 1748 - 1788
Winter Beauty by Kelly Singleton
Thanks for the comment! I really appreciate you for giving a personal greeting to Zanne for me. She's a cool lady and a good friend. I was blessed when I stumbled upon her here on myspace. She's been an awesome friend to me! Tell her I love her! :) Thanks!
Hey David, I thought you might like to check out this video. Also, people can download my new album for $1.99 until Dec 31st at www.matthewpricemusic.com. If you enjoy the music and want to help me spread the word that'd be fantastic. Thanks!
That was a good time and pleasure meeting you and hearing your songs. Excellent work. Not sure how you sit on that chair though. I'd be falling on my ........ Let's do it again.
David! Thank you for bringing a good vibe to Bazaar-Stock. I am glad you didn't fall off that chair! I was nervous a few times. I love the song about the girl who went missing...well done. see you soon! kc
Your music is in fact more sensible from what I remember, and that's a great thing! I take it you've been progressing yourself these days, yeah? I'm doing well, thanks :)
Hi david greco! SoundSafe loves you! Please make a local music profile page for yourself on soundsafe. org SoundSafe is a 501c3 non-profit working to preserve, strengthen, promote, and unite the Bay Area music community. Upload songs to our radio station, promote your shows, network, and take advantage of our educational resources for the music business. http://soundsafe. org/profiles/new See you there and Long Live Bay Area Music!
Oh my god, your set at Finnegan's last night blew me away ! The new band arrangements are so tight and professional, yet you still retain your unspoiled singer songwriter vibe. I've got to get more of my friends out to see you play before your venues get too big.
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