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Rising singer shows soulful promise
By Steve Morse, Globe Staff, 6/11/2003
CAMBRIDGE -- Gavin DeGraw is the latest signee by Clive Davis, the record-company mogul who has helped guide the careers of such heavies as Janis Joplin, Aerosmith, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, and Alicia Keys...
Barnes and Noble:
With his engaging debut, Chariot, Clive Davis protégé Gavin DeGraw is poised to follow in the impressive footsteps of ivory-tickling singer-songwriters such as Billy Joel, Ben Folds, and even Stevie Wonder. The confident, charismatic 26-year-old will win the hearts of swooning female fans with infectious songs that run the gamut from the soft rock of "Over-Rated" to the Wonder-reminiscent title song to the chiming, Mathew Sweetish power pop of "Crush." The glossy yet soulful Chariot features contributions from guitarist Michael Ward (Wallflowers) and drummer Joey Waronker (R.E.M./Beck), but DeGraw's supple voice is the real star. Seductive and surprisingly mature, DeGraw swoops, whispers, and even hollers with gospel-style fervor as he sings his sophisticated, mostly mellow love songs, such as the affirmative "Belief," on which he croons: "Belief makes things real / Makes things feel alright / Belief makes things true / Like you and I." So kick back with your honey -- and a bottle of your favorite vino -- and let DeGraw's voice and words make a believer of you. L.D. Beghtol
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