Live Review: Gran Bel Fisher @ Park West 8/29/06

Some might want to lump Gran Bel Fisher into the pool of popular singer/songwriters on today's airwaves, but to do so would be a mistake. He has a unique voice and intelligent songwriting that sets him apart from the likes of a Daniel Powter or a James Blunt. Gran Bel Fisher, a rocker from Ohio writes reflective songs that soar, supported by a strong baritone voice, sweeping piano and twangy guitar. With the difficult task of opening for UK soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae, Gran Bel Fisher and his cohort Josh Krajcik on additional guitar delivered a well-suited set of songs off of his recent LP, Full Moon Cigarette. A great debut collection of well-written, thoughtful piano ballads as well as classic rock-driven tracks akin to The Doors and Led Zeppelin. Gran Bel Fisher spent the majority of the set behind the 88 keys, however he did step up next to Josh to perform a few songs on guitar. It definitely helps to have a talented guitarist like Josh Krajcik on your side, together they created a smooth clash of interwoven guitar, that came crashing together so perfectly on the song "Dazey Day". There was mellow, understated eloquence on "Bound by Love", where Fisher's vocals reveal glimpses of Jeff Buckley. Though, it was the closing song "Full Moon Cigarette" that really stuck a chord with me, further exploring his ethereal vocals and carefully plotted piano opening, it was easy to hear his vision come to fruition as the song progressed. This was a fine outing by a promising young songwriter, and one who has a maturity to his music well beyond his years. You can catch Gran Bel Fisher when he comes back to Chicago on September 24th @ Schuba's with Ari Hest. Setlist: Far Cry Moment Edible Crash and Burn In Dreams Bound By Love Dazey Day Full Moon Cigarette