Gerald Goode is a New York Metropolitan Area-based musician known for his incredible voice, dynamic production work, Billboard-chart-topping remixes and his long-time tenure as the lead singer of the rock band Simple Jim. With just one listen to his self-produced debut solo CD, “For Those Who Have,” it is evident that his passion for music is strong; his artistic vision - bold. The record is a refreshing return to Album Oriented Rock: it flows seamlessly from song to song, along the way blending Gerald’s soulful voice with his brooding piano riffs, his often dark & reflective lyrics, his sweeping orchestral landscapes and guitar-infused electronica. Released September 2008 on Gerald’s own imprint Vessel Music, this recording offers the commercial appeal of artists in the vein of Coldplay and Rob Thomas, but also has the dark, emotive strains of a performer like Fiona Apple. Throughout the 14 self-penned tracks on “For Those Who Have,” Gerald puts his heart out on the line as he sings about failed relationships, addiction, self-respect, the ins & outs of love and the loss of innocence.
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“Many of my personal experiences during my 20’s are the basis for the songs on ‘For Those Who Have,’” says Gerald, "and in the end it wound up being a really cathartic experience." He adds: “Making this record was the boldest way I could think of to turn the page, so to speak - both musically and spiritually.” With veteran producer Scott White on mixing detail, and Grammy Award winning engineer Phil Magnotti in charge of mastering, the outcome is a collection of songs that are well-executed, insightful and unforgettably melodic, taking the listener over an emotional arc from start to finish.
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Gerald sets himself apart from many of his contemporaries in that he not only prides himself on being a first-rate musician, but he is also involved in every aspect of the production, promotion and marketing of his music. He is the sole master of his audience’s perceptions, and an insistence on being such has beckoned Gerald to roll up his sleeves and don many different hats during the creative process behind “For Those Who Have”: producer, programmer, graphic designer, video producer/editor, writer, web moderator and promoter. He also has a genuine interest in producing, nurturing and collaborating with other artists who display exceptional talents in the creative arts. He has been fearless in acquiring whatever skills have been necessary to propel his musical career into constant motion towards success, and it is this trait coupled with a keen sense of what is going on in the music industry that makes Gerald destined to join the likes of great artistic entrepreneurs such as Diddy, Madonna and Prince.
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Gerald Goode is a true artist with a penchant for bearing his proverbial soul to his audience; a singer and performer with undeniable charisma and presence; a skilled producer and song stylist in the recording studio; and a sharp businessman willing to share his skillful knowledge with anyone with a desire to learn. To call "For Those Who Have" a strong first release from an up and coming singer/songwriter is an understatement; it is, in fact, yet another compelling chapter in Gerald’s remarkable musical journey.