One of the downsides of obsessing over music that is between thirty and forty years old is that a lot of water has flowed under a lot of bridges by now. Memories fade, life moves on. Sometimes, I read about musicians who have enjoyed a recent reunion, satisfied with a legacy that is likely obscure but still loved, maybe even trying their hand at writing something new. More likely though, many of our heroes are nowhere to be found, and sadly, for some that is true in a literal sense, having passed on either through accident, death by natural causes, or, as in this case, by suicide. Personally, I pass no judgment. The great thing for me about music is that it lives on regardless of the triumphs or ills of its creators.
I found this record in Nashville about 5 years ago, and may well have left it alone except for a heartfelt post it note on the album somewhere that recommended it to a friend. It's perhaps a bit more mainstream, AOR style than I usually opt for, but depending on my mood, there is nothing wrong with that. One track even charted quite highly, and perhaps like one of my other rock discoveries from 1982, David Reilly, the fact that Greg had been honing his chops for years as a songwriter and backup singer imbued the album with a solid, satisfying songs. A little strange then, that it took until 2000 for it to see even a limited CD release, given that it was released originally by the mighty Columbia label.
Sadly, as I mentioned before, Greg committed suicide in 2003 in Fairview, Tennessee, at the age of 49. Having recently turned 50 myself, I am struck by how vulnerable the human male seems to be around the half century mark. Since then, other demo tracks and a posthumous album have been released - you can find them on iTunes, Spotify etc. - but not this one. If you enjoy the album, raise a glass on his behalf.
Over The Line
2 comments:
Thank you for writing this piece about Greg. He was incredibly talented and left us far too soon. Songwriters often sacrifice the limelight for their passion for crafting music and Greg seemed to follow that path. In my insatiable hunger for new music back in the 80s, Greg's "Over The Line" record, although relatively obscure, quickly became one of my favorites. I'm listening to some of Greg's songs now, 40 years after their release and they're still a treat to hear. Music will persist long after we're gone as long as there are human ears to appreciate its many forms. This record is a wonderfully nostalgic reminder of those innocent times so long ago.
This was one talented and unheralded musician. What amazes me is that his last 2 albums "The Demo Years" (2014) and "Heart To Heart" (2017) were released posthumously, even though they seem to have been recorded decades earlier. He reminds me of Christopher Cross, another late 70s - early 80s phenomenon.
My coffee mug is raised!!!
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