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| How
People are Responding to Grant's Music! |
Reviews in the News:
 "Van Leuven's new disc, "RiverTown Warning," is full of
glimpses into everyday life in a modern and
sometimes complicated world. The twist here is that
Van Leuven tells the tales with an effortless joy --
even when the news is not so good. His ...
style ... leaves you tapping your toe and singing
along with tunes about unemployment, unfulfilled
dreams and the foolish decisions that plague
humankind, all while placing a ray of hope and faith
to bring you to the other side. Not an easy task,
but one that he does well."
-- Rosa Colucci,
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
"... [His] ... music has a grittier sound. While
Van Leuven's lyrics are all rooted firmly in a
Christian world view, the themes are less
inspirational than contemplative."
-- Jaime McLeod, Northern Weekender (Gateway
Publications)
"Making divine music for the real world ... Van
Leuven does more than just sing about faith-inspired
themes. He also explores matters of a more personal
nature, including songs which reflect on his life
with his wife and daughter."
--Ann Metz, Webster Herald
"... he is known for his dynamic live performances
..."
-- Laura Zajac, North Hills Monthly Magazine |
What Others are Saying:
"I have enjoyed the [RiverTown Warning] CD
immensely."
-- John Iamaio, Ph.D., Webster, NY
"You
are an engaging personality with impressive
skills, but you also show a sweet and caring
heart in the course of laying down an
outstanding variety of musical styles ... you
exude a quiet confidence that arrests people's
wandering minds and takes them to a place
where they can be touched by God. We eagerly
anticipate the new songs God is birthing in
your spirit."
-- Dave and Jo Benrexi, New Kensington
Inspirational Music Festival, New Kensington,
PA
"Grant’s a great guy with a great gift. What's
really cool about seeing him live is that he
is real and authentic -- the real deal. He is a true
singer/songwriter; he writes because he has
something to share. It's in him."
--
Eric Molnar, Dayton OH
"I
thank God for people like you who care about truth
in the music. Thank you for standing for the truth
in a mindless age."
-- John
Lazarchik
, Indiana
"Grant's music has a 'kick' to it. It's
fun. Lyrically, he paints the life he's
known -- spiced with the insight of a pastor."
-- Jim Smith, songwriter "Can You See
Him?", Monroeville, PA
"Grant’s
songwriting and lyrics come from the heart with a
passion that sweeps through the audience, leaves
you with a great sense of what God's love for us
is all about, and makes you want to go out and
share that."
--
Sarah Wilkins, singer/songwriter,
Aliquippa, PA |
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Review
by Actor Charlie Jones of
Peculiar People – Franklin,
TN
"My wife & I recently shared the stage
with a delightful breath of fresh air in the music
realm: Grant Van Leuven. The first thing I noticed
about Grant was his irrepressible smile and his
sense of confidence as he began the evening. In
the acting biz, we call that “stage presence”.
His
laid-back/high-energy manner was a welcome relief
from song writers and singers who feel they must
impress with their saintly behavior or their
radical coolness. Grant is just “Grant”, and
one senses that he enjoys that. I enjoy that too.
Grant’s joy in music is contagious and his
personality opens heart’s doors to fun and
merriment.
Grant’s song writing is superior to most of the
junk that is being put out by CCM. The song “You
Chose Me” is not only a rag-tag bluesy ballad
sung with the reckless abandon of a New Orleans jazz crooner, it is just plain, good theology.
Whenever these two qualities mix without one
overwhelming the other... well, that’s Art in
the highest form. His images are earthy, strong,
and tangible. His music is palpable, energetic,
and joy infused.
As you can tell, I am sold on Grant and his art.
He is a unique performer, writer, and singer. He
has not come from the cookie-cutter mold of
Contemporary Christian Music. I would recommend
him for just about any occasion -- especially
where you want to impress the un-churched."
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