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Hometown: TOKYO, JP
Label: Hemlock Music
Management: Steve O'Hagan
Website: www.hemlockmusic.com
Genre: Alternative
Formed in Tokyo in late 2008, The Gravy Train are a multi-culti live outfit from Britain, Canada, Japan and the US. A feature band during "UK-Japan Year 2008", The Gravy Train quickly established themselves as a top local act by securing a sellout Saturday night at the iconic rockabilly hangout, Crocodile Club, in Shibuya with their regular UK-Japan Night.
Songs vary from venue to venue and the state of the crowd. From Slow Cuban Funk on Voodoo Doll to Uber-Rockabilly on Mississippi Nelson, the sheer eclecticism of lyrical themes, genres and tempos is testament to the ever-evolving nature of The Gravy Train.
Their mission is unashamedly that of bringing music back to the listener. Asked why, they argue in a world of autotune and programmed music, live performance must prevail, hence their focus on connecting with the audience through dynamic vocals and lyrical content that mirror everyday themes - cold feet at the altar, the rat race, having children, escaping responsibility, swingers parties, the inability to grow up. The band stating that if you have something worth saying, people will listen.
Diversity is the essence of the group and comes through in the course of albums and gigs: a Brit indie singer, a Canadian rock drummer, an Amercian funk bassist, a Japanese soul keyboardist, a West Coast folk blues guitarist and Nashville picker - somehow it all works.
In terms of live performance, songwriting, groove, versatility and vocal quality, we believe The Gravy Train has the most to offer to any live audience.
“Kev Gray: A Bit of a Genius - Japanzine (2009)
"How the Story Ends", one of those rare tracks so achingly beautiful that the listener is laid out on a bed of melancholy... You'll understand once you hear it. It's an instant classic...”
Japanzine
“...sings like Macartney, moans like Morrisey, writes likes Dylan”
Different Class Radio, London 2010
"Six Feet Under" is simply mesmeric. An audience of strangers suddenly synced in song
Japan Music Week 2010
“Kev Gray: genius? Quite possibly.”
Jonty Davies - Seek Japan
“Tokyo legend Kev Gray dropped by the Time Out Tokyo office this afternoon, guitar in hand, ahead of his January 21 gig at La Mama, Shibuya. Originally from the north of the UK, award-winning Kev has been a fixture on Tokyo live schedules since 2008, and his bittersweet (mostly sweet) experiences are documented with good humour in his songs. We took the opportunity to shoot him in faux-8mm style, strumming a few songs on our doorstep. Look out for our full interview with the man himself next week.”
TIMEOUT
"How the Story Ends" demonstrates Kev's lyrical genius, as well as his undeniable instrumental gifts. However, it was the voice that initially had jaws dropping around the Japanzine office. Imagine, if you will, an encounter between Nick Drake and Antony Hegarty, and you might be somewhere close.
Japanzine
“If you've not heard The Gravy Train and their songs of bittersweet melancholy, make sure you pop along. Well worth a Friday night detour.”
Timeout
“His mastery of the art of storytelling is such that "One More Chance" - a tale of Sunday football woe, a lost romantic opportunity and subsequent mishaps in the pub, among other things - will have you hanging on every line, feverishly anticipating the next clever twist yet always being wittily outmaneuvered by Gray's charming turn of phrase.
After appearing on last year's Gaijin Sounds compilation, the pressure was on for Kev to maintain his high standards. But he has surpassed his previous efforts. The production has been improved with tastefully applied reverb and enhanced intimacy, and he just sounds even more confident in his singing (and, for that matter, in what he's singing), to the extent that J.P. described him as displaying "mega-personality" here.
Upcoming live date in Nagoya: June 9th at Hard Rock Cafe”
Seek Japan
“British singer-songwriter Kev Gray and his multi-culti Gravy Train crew bring their eclectic blend of jazz, lounge, folk gospel blues and bossa nova to storied live house Crocodile in Shibuya. Formed in Tokyo in 2008, the group recorded its first CD, Shipwrecked, at Medici Studios in Australia, swiftly followed by this year’s I Should’ve Stopped There. Gray and Co. are currently wrapping a third album, due for release in early 2010. Tracks can be demoed for free at www.hemlockmusic.com. Opening for Gray is “the world’s best kalimba player,” American Kevin Spears, a.k.a. KalimbaMan.
”
Dan Grunebaum - Metropolis Magazine
