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With his first solo release, GREEN LINE, Northern California singer/songwriter/musician Greg Thomson has achieved a new level of artistic success. GREEN LINE is a satisfying musical journey that blends influences as diverse as David Bowie and Dave Matthews. GREEN LINE has staying power, offering a new favorite song with each listen. The steps to GREEN LINE began at Boston's Berklee College of Music, where Greg immersed himself in many influences while at the same time sticking to his rock roots. Greg then moved to Los Angeles where he played bass and sang lead vocals in local band Ten Sons. The band's approachable alternative rock sound and well-written songs received rave reviews in music trades in Southern California and Arizona, including BAM Magazine in Los Angeles who declared "If a record company doesn't nab these guys...a publisher should." After paying his Los Angeles dues, Greg moved to the Bay Area and joined local band Gemini as bass player, back-up singer and co-songwriter. Shortly thereafter, the band won second place in a San Francisco band contest, leading to a recording of their single "Donna." It wasn't long before a key member of Gemini quit -- doesn't this always happen? -- so Greg formed a new band, Stephen Hero, with members from Gemini plus key additions. At this point, Greg became the primary songwriter and lead singer, along with playing bass. Featuring a sophisticated sound with percussion and a unique blend of two guitars, the band played throughout San Francisco. During the recording of Stephen Hero demos, Greg realized that his musical journey made more sense taking a turn down the solo path. The result is Greg's first solo album, written by him and crafted with the help of local producer and musician Christopher K. The album showcases Greg's alternative yet approachable rock style and talent for writing catchy, rich songs that move beyond ordinary pop. "I wrote the songs first on acoustic guitar. We recorded the stripped down version in the studio first, then blended in other instruments and vocals by playing around and experimenting. Each song took its own shape during the recording -- sometimes telling us which direction to take it. It was a lot of fun and the most satisfying musical experience I've had." The ten songs explore a variety of themes and dish up memorable melodies, poetic lyrics and creative instrumentation. The second song, "Climbing The Crosses," sits on an acoustic groove and brings in layers of vocals and trumpet like rich, multi-colored weaves in a carpet. "Silent Door" captures the sometimes painful yet awakening transitions that most of us endure: "I will be falling leaf, son of tree, brown beneath." The bluesy "Bobbing Away" surprises with a freestyle piano intro that transitions into a sultry, wave-like groove and ends with a lonely flugelhorn. And the more forceful title track examines good days and bad days with interchanging musical parts and complex lyrics that joust for clarity...the "green line!" Track List: 1. Might Have Been 2. Climbing The Crosses 3. Green Line 4. Jane Gum 5. Blind & Wide Awake 6. Shake This Crime 7. These Words 8. Silent Door 9. Bobbing Away 10. Finding It Somewhere Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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