Gran Torino is a band that has a lot going for itself. Through a tour schedule that would send just about any other band whimpering back to their girlfriends and comfy beds, these nine funky brothers have become a live fixture in just about every major southern and mid-Atlantic market. As a result of their rise in popularity east of the mighty Mississippi, they have moved a total of over 60,000 units over the course of three studio efforts and one live album. Such a feat by an independent band is almost unheard of in this day and age of prepackaged pop and n(-metal bullshit.
Since 1995 they have become Knoxville’s fourth most important export, trailing closely behind Superdrag, UT football, and the most relevant piece of pop culture to ever come from out of East Tennessee, the episode of The Simpsons where Bart, Milhouse, Neslon, and Martin rent a car and drive to Knoxville.
“Tennessean is Tenne-believin'”
Despite their notoriety of being a fun, often pursued live act, the energy and showmanship of their live show unfortunately doesn’t come across onto The One and Only. Despite a handful of nice hooks, loud Hammond organ swells, and some quite tasty horn arrangements, there really isn’t much to hold the listener’s attention.
The album’s opening track, “Sick & Tired” starts off with a glimmer of hopes but it’s forced lead guitar licks just sound way too digitally enhanced. Upbeat rocker “Viperden” is a competent stab at Herbie Hancock style fusion, but works more like a poor man’s Jamiroquai track, while “Take it Off” leans a little too heavy on the adult contemporary bad jazz that is Kenny G. “Streetlight” completely goes awry, sounding like a rejected Folgers coffee jingle.
One constant problem with this album is the presentation of lead singer Chris Ford’s voice. His thin, white boy vocals keep hinting somewhere between cheesy Christian popster Michael W. Smith and that chubby guy from Smashmouth. Ford is the best argument against blue-eyed soul since Michael Bolton.
Despite these gripes, one must respect this band’s individual talents as musicians. You can hear the passion and sweat that went into the pursuit of mastering their instruments. Most of these guys were probably formally schooled in music for years. Evenmore, the majority of them can probably read music, which is more than you can say about 99 percent of bands out today.
On Oct. 11, Gran Torino will be returning to Johnson City, this time to Gatsby’s, to do what they do best, make your silly cracker ass dance. The reason why I don’t feel guilty about panning this album is that Gran Torino’s natural element is on the stage. Besides, they probably make a whole lot more money from touring than from album sales. This show should not disappoint loyal fans of the band and anyone who enjoys shaking a drunk leg because Gran Torino is a great live band. Doors open at 9 p.m.; cover is $8.
Check out www.gran torino.com or www.redeye.com/ redeyelabel.htm to get a little funkier.

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