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Click on images to read articles. For downloadable press materials (photos and bio) click here.
Opening Bands (www.openingbands.com) Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Kiyoshi Graves blends musical elements of classic rock (The Who and Led Zeppelin) with pop vocal melodies on his full-length debut Chase. The combination is most effective in "Reckoning," which employs a quiet-loud-quiet format to trade between Americana-style lyrics and a classic rock riff, not to mention a particularly ripping guitar solo. Placed side by side in a single song, the two genres add a dynamic element to what might otherwise be just another quiet war song. "Chase," "Ending," and "Line" (my personal fave) are likewise solid pop-rock songs, each full of radio-ready hooks. Softer, atmospheric tracks like "Finish Line" and "Identify" add variety to the album without sounding contrived. The album's closer (my second favorite), "Letter", relies on layered E-bow guitars for the bulk of the track and might even be considered an experimental addition to the album. As trite and cliché as it sounds, Kiyoshi Graves has put together a considerably solid debut album: well written, recorded and performed. Truthfully, there's not a song that could be considered an automatic "skip." In plain English, Chase rocks. - Nate Gabrielson
Plug In Music (www.pluginmusic.com) The debut from Kiyoshi Graves introduces the singer/songwriter with his racing melodies and soft ballads. But regardless of which side of himself that he shows, Graves always remains thoughtful and introspective with his lyrics. “Chase” keeps to a strict formula but on the album’s final track, “Letter,” Graves takes some chances and does something a bit different by going low-key. The result is a strong track that pays off.
West Coast Rockers (www.westcoastrockers.com) Tired of throbbing hip hop and screaming emo? If you’ve been aching for music that makes you feel good – like a grown-up on a sunny Sunday afternoon - then Kiyoshi Graves is the man you’ve been searching for. Singer, songwriter, musician, producer, even CD package design – is there anything the multi-talented Graves can’t do? On Chase, the 2006 release from JD8 Records, Graves weaves together poetry with a poppy-rock sound that somehow manages to be both lighthearted and heartfelt. Graves’ harmonic depth blended with his dramatic looking hazel eyes offers up a full-blown swoon sure to enchant his listeners in 10 songs or less. Each tune tells a story, each one a different shade of human emotion. Album opener “Chase” has got almost a Gin Blossoms feels to it. With a toe- tapping hook this is a refreshing change in the current world of emo. Nicely produced, “Chase” has got a smooth arrangement which flows and lacks any kind of aural awkwardness. A promising first impression of this up and coming crooner and a perfect choice for the title cut. In “Everything” Graves ’ voice is both soothing and titillating. Though jaded, “Everything” tells of one of life’s lessons we all, sadly, can relate to. In our post-911 reality, America ’s at war and war influences our musicians. “Reckoning” is Graves ’ say about what it means – and should mean – to be an American. A delicate melody with a heady message and a sexy guitar solo. The tender “Finish Line” is another highlight of this disc. A song full of the hope and comfort we all long for. “Greatest Thing” wafts from your speakers with a subtle power as it pulls at your heartstrings. There’s also an undercurrent of stellar guitar work this song as well. On “Identify,” the smoky-voiced Missy Gibson helps to tell a tale of the fragility of love. Other songs on the disc include “Found,” “So Much More,” “Line,” and wrapping up Chase is the introspective and gentle “Letter,” with its haunting and angelic sounding backing vocals. This 10-song repertoire is a slice of life with its own taste, refusing to adhere to the musical flavor of the week. As Kiyoshi Graves continues to grow and write and sing, I look forward to his muse guiding him out beyond the Los Angeles city limits – there’s no telling how far he’ll go. - Melanie Falina
Smother (www.smother.net) Independent songwriter Kiyoshi Graves is proud of his “Chase” achievement. As a Japanese American whose descent includes a mixture of French and German, he has a worldly vision that is clearly displayed via his imaginative choruses. Pop-rock that remains alternative but steers clear of anything too challenging, “Chase” provides that invigorating jog that so many pop singer/songwriters forget. - J-Sin
Anti Music (www.pluginmusic.com) Every artist thanks their audiences after receiving applause, but this Los Angeles native wants his audiences to know how truly grateful he is to be playing for them. Second generation Japanese American Kiyoshi Graves, who has a BA in Music, sees his debut CD "Chase" as the beginning of a journey. The 10 original songs on the album are lyrics driven melodies of love and it related topics; but they are also a form of journey and discovery in themselves. Kiyoshi plays straight up rock and roll; yet there are times when the music itself is a little heavy handed and has the tendency to drown out Kiyoshi's smooth tenor voice. Kiyoshi Graves voice sound a little bit like first season American Idol contestant Jim Verroros. Kiyoshi Graves is on a musical journey of discovery and he invites everyone to join his for the ride. - Sherrill Fulghum
The Biggest Letdown (www.thebiggestletdown.com) I love recieving music in the mail from bands that I've never heard of before. It's always a surprise when I first pop the CD into the stereo. Kiyoshi Graves is a great artist. This album really surprised me when I first listened to it. I love it. From beginning to end, it's a good album. I like to judge music on the following categories: 1.) Artwork on album. This is a good way to show people how amazing your music is - without the music! A good album artwork can make or break bands. Just look at Pearl Jam. 2.) The way each song compliments each other on the album. If I listen to a CD all the way through, I want to feel as though I'm taking a journey. This album (CHASE) is a perfect example of that. Inspired by a dream that Kiyoshi had, this album is a musical journey. That may sound stupid, but if you listen to the album then you'd realize what I mean. 3.) What the overall tone of the songs are about. Like I just said, this album was inspired by a dream. That's the tone. It's deamy. I like it. 4.) Musicians that actually contact me to ask what I think of their music. Call me old-fashioned, but I like hearing from the artists when they submit me music. I think it's nice and considerate. Think about that, Metallica! So, those are my categories that I like to judge submitted music by. This album well-exceeds my standards. He's got a great voice and a great talent. I can close my eyes when listening to Chase and just daydream it. It's really cool. I recommend this album to anyone who likes Southern Rock, Paul Simon, and the Who. Expect more from this guy. - Andy
"Songs and Searching: The Music of Kiyoshi Graves"Japanese American National Museum-Museum Store Online July 2006 Interview discussing the EP, "Past, by it's waters" and issues of Asian American identity. To view the interview on the JANM website, click here.
"Rock Out!"Rafu Shimpo August 17, 2005 Interview discussing Nisei week concert with Kiyoshi and Scott Tang.
"A Community of Musicians"Sushi & Tofu Magazine December 2004 Interview of Kiyoshi, Scott Tang and Max Medina, Creative Director of Chopblock.com discussing Asian American representation in the media and arts.
"An Issue of Identity"Rafu Shimpo July 14, 2004 Interview of Kiyoshi, George Sarah and Scott Tang.
© KIYOSHI GRAVES |
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