The duo configuration is a common one in popular music — one that usually consists of vocals and acoustic guitar — but the Greys turn that concept on its side.
The Greys consist of vocalist Cait Simpson of Agawam and bassist Chris Merritt of Holyoke. That’s right, just a singer and upright bass (although Merritt does occasionally play electric.) Utilizing this unusual setup, The Greys create music that is unique, challenging and appealing. Merritt and Simpson have been making music together for less than two years and they are already breaking new ground with their fresh, inventive sound.
The Greys will release its debut EP “The Landing,” on Thursday, Feb. 9, and will celebrate with a CD release show that night at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke at 8 p.m. They will hold another release show at the Ashfield Lake House on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8:30 p.m.
Simpson and Merritt became friends when they were both students studying jazz performance at the University of Massachusetts. They formed the Greys in late 2015. The two started performing in Pioneer Valley, originally focusing on cover tunes like Jimi Hendrix’s “Wind Cries Mary,” and Adele’s “Hello.” They eventually started writing their own material.
Simpson has an amazing, expressive voice that is raw and honest, while Merritt’s deep rhythmic bass work make the lyrics come alive. Merritt’s hypnotic sound comes through on “The Circus” while the kinetic energy of the band is front and center on “Far From Home” — a song that explores finding oneself and was the first song they wrote.
The music of the Greys will take you to a place you have never been before. It will make you feel and think. It can be both haunting and beautiful at the same time. It’s music that is heavily influenced by jazz but also draws from indie, alternative rock and folk.
The band had said that it’s lyrics are inspired by emotional honesty and the world they live in each day.
I asked Cait Simpson what it was like singing alongside a bass as compared to an entire band?
“It’s definitely a challenge for both of us, in the best way, to be a part of a duo where the parts are so bare and note against note,” she said.
“This is some of my favorite writing I’ve ever done though, I think Chris feels the same way. It’s a new challenge, but it’s definitely improved my musicianship in a huge way. It really makes you aware of how vital truly listening to each other is. (Our instrumentation is) meant to be confrontational or a little jarring. With two of us versus a band, there isn’t a lot of room to hide imperfections, but that’s another challenge that has just pushed us both to be better as a unit and as individuals.”
The seven songs that make up “The Landing” were produced by Caroline O’Leary and Josh Daniel and recorded at Homestead Studios in Easthampton. The Greys brought in saxophone player Mtali Banda and guitarist Jerrod Campion to lend their talents to a couple of the tracks.
“This album is extremely personal and touches experiences with mental health, a rejection of the manipulation or molding of the mind, and a journey of moving forward after we collect all of these experiences that are sometimes painted as dark,” she said. “We feel they are vital. To get through you must first sit in. ‘The Landing’ is an expression of those ideals.”
“Our album evokes a certain mysticism that I feel both venues will contribute to in their ambience.”
After having spent over a year working on the EP, The Greys are excited for “The Landing” to finally be heard. They are looking forward to playing at Gateway City Arts and the Ashfield Lake House because they have never played those venues before as a duo.
For the show at Gateway City Arts, The Greys will be joined by special guests Mtali Banda and Jerrod Campion. Opening the show will be singer-songwriter Grayson Ty of Northampton.
Advance tickets for the Gateway City Arts show are $7 and available at www.gatewaycityarts.com, $9 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m..
Gateway City Arts is located at 92 Race St. in Holyoke. This is an 18 and over show. The Ashfield Lake House is located at 141 Buckland Road in Ashfield.
To learn more about the band, visit: www.thegreysduo.com
Henning Ohlenbusch
holds CD release show
at Forbes Library
Henning Ohlenbusch seems to always have multiple projects going, either with his own music or supporting the projects of others. Last year, the Northampton-based Ohlenbusch was particularly busy.
He released an album with his band Gentle Hen, as well as with The Fawns, the band that he plays lead guitar for. He also produced an album for Ray Mason, released a disc for kids under the moniker Turkey Andersen, and played a reunion show with his old band, Aloha Steamtrain. Then to wrap the year up, in November he released the solo album, “Another Sleepless Nap.”
Ohlenbusch will hold a CD release show for “Another Sleepless Nap,” on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Forbes Library in Northampton .
On “Another Sleepless Nap,” Ohlenbusch handles all the vocals, instrumentals, served as producer and even did the cover photography. He released it on his own label, Rub Wrongways Records.
The nine songs here reveal that his pop sensibility is firmly intact and that he has the ability to craft the kind of songs that stay with us long after the record is over. The arrangements vary from basic piano accompaniments, as heard on “Stop Taking My Friends,” to the synth-heavy sound on “Service Industry Stars.”
Ohlenbusch has always been a writer who tackles a wide variety of subjects in his work, but is not really known for his social commentary. On “Untied States,” he has written a beautiful song that touches on the alienation and frustration that people are currently experiencing.
“We let the crazy people steal the conversation pit, there’s money to be made from a nation that’s been spilt,” he sings. He goes on to remind us that despite being a nation that’s “a country full of traffic jams, but no one ever meets,” we really are all in this together.
“Maybe I’m Not Meant to do Anything Remarkable After All ” is an acoustic folk-flavored song that might already sound familiar to some listeners. This tune, which questions the emphasis we place on self-improvement and achievement, was written back in 2013 and originally appeared in series of videos done by local filmmaker Jason Mazzotta.
These nine songs will be a welcomed addition to Ohlenbusch’s already impressive catalog. It will be a special evening hearing them performed at the beautiful Forbes Library. About his decision to host a CD release show at a library, he wrote this in a press release:
“It’s always a pleasure to transform an unusual space into a music venue. There’s a special feeling to it, like everyone is in on a little secret together. Also, libraries are one of the remaining great and un-spoiled institutions in our country. Like National Parks, they are there for everyone. In my mind, it’s hallowed ground.”
This show is free. The Forbes Library is located at 20 West St. in Northampton. The show will be held on the second floor.
To learn more about Ohlenbusch, visit: www.henningo.com.
Sheryl Hunter is a music writer who lives in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national magazines.
You can contact her at
soundslocal@yahoo.com.