RADAR: George Stanford

We first came across George Stanford a few years with the release of his Mercury full-length debut Big Drop and catching a live show or two in the Philly clubs. Soulful folk/pop was the order of the day for Stanford, a performer who could bring both passion and energy to the stage along with a slew of fine, eminently catchy songs. But it was his self-released five-track EP Roll Away last spring that made us really sit up and pay attention, a short, diverse set that swung easily from acoustic gems to more filled-out Americana production presence. A back porch, sweetly harmonized duet with Lissie ("Don't Be the One") and the exceptionally good title track (video after the jump), a glorious track that spans 70's CSN+Y dynamics with a modern indie edge.

Stanford is holed up in a studio in his new home of L.A., writing and recording songs for a new project due in 2011. A sneak peak at what he's been up to is revealed in "Lemonade" a song he says is about "making something positive when life deals you a shitty hand." Starting with subdued acoustic picking, the song moves to the next level with chiming electric lines and handclap rhythms, equally at home around a campfire as a spotlit stage. "I've been having so much fun recording music lately....I always do," Stanford write in his blog, "but lately it seems like all of my time spent learning the craft of the recording process is beginning to really pay off." We would, of course, agree. Look for "Lemonade" on iTunes soon.

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George Stanford - "Lemonade"

George Stanford - "Don't Be the One" (featuring Lissie) (from the EP Roll Away)

Comments

[Jordan Martyn]

Thanks for bringing George to my attention. He has a fantastic collection of songs. Roll away is catchy yet has a haunting side that is utterlt compelling. Don't Be the One comes is sweet, with some pop sensibilities with out taking away from the song.