Album Review: Gran Torino

MUSIC

Gran Torino

Two (26.2 Music)

Knoxville, Tenn. rock-jazz-funk band Gran Torino is an impressive musical collaboration of nine fine musicians. Together, they fuse the sounds of trumpet, guitar, keyboard, sax and other instruments into smooth music with groove. To their fans' delight, Gran Torino now has 11 new songs on their second album, Two. The new album follows their 1997 release, One. Two features more singing than its largely instrumental predecessor, but many of the new album's songs, like "Phyllis" and "Days of the Tested," have excellent solos generously mixed in. While lead singer Chris Ford's vocals often sound uncomfortably similar to Sugar Ray, they're not always bad, even if they are overshadowed by the band's musical talent.

Gran Torino

Two (26.2 Music)

The strength of the instrumental solos on Two hints at the exciting live shows Gran Torino is known for throughout the south. Unfortunately, the band has already completed its most recent swing through the northeast. While waiting for its return, though, it would be worth your time to listen to Two. B+