Where Joy Kills Sorrow

Garrin Benfield | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 2004)
• Original Release Date: October 8, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Zacksongs Music
• ASIN: B00064YCSQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #546,593 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Benfield's desire to take greater control over his music also spilled over into his career. This release is the first studio effort on independent record label, Zacksongs Music. The Zacksongs crew handles all of the administrative components of this release and upcoming tours. In addition, Zacksongs has secured the talents of "Flanagan Promotions", who will head the effort to expose the record to larger audiences through radio play and retail placement. As for Zack, he was a dear old dog. History:

* In early 2004 Zacksongs releases a collection of live material consisting of Benfield's concert staples titled August Live. The disc was recorded while Benfield was on tour opening for Boz Scaggs in the summer of 03.

* In 2003 Benfield contributes songs to compilation CDs for the Not in Our Name Project (along with Ani DiFranco, Michael Franti and Charlie Hunter) and Performing Songwriter Magazine.

* In 2002 Benfield's critically acclaimed CD Nowhere is Brighter is released. Alongside Benfield is Bonnie Raitt©ˆs band and special guest Boz Scaggs. The disc is named "Top 10 CD of 2002" by Performing Song writer and Acoustic Guitar Magazines. Benfield tours US as a solo performer and with his regular, touring band, appearing at some of the most highly regarded venues in the country. He is regularly asked to perform with major label and other known artists.

* In 2001 Benfield continued regular national touring, hosted a monthly songwriter series in San Francisco and was a finalist in the Telluride Troubadour Competition.

* In 2000 Benfield releases his debut album Living A Dream to high praise. Among the 13 tracks on the album was the startling tribute to murder victim Matthew Shepard that is nominated for an award oppo site Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls.

* Benfield grew up the youngest of nine children in Westchester County, New York and moved to Northampton MA to attend Hampshire College. It was at Hampshire that Garrin started and played bass in his band Maya that later moved with him to San Francisco.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Garrin stretches out and it's a delight!, November 20, 2004

By 

D. Wardlow "music extremist" (Beaver Island, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Where Joy Kills Sorrow (Audio CD)

It's a joy to hear Garrin expand his musical horizons and grow as an artist. His first two ("Living A Dream" and "Nowhere Is Brighter") showcase his singer/songwriter strengths, and the lyrics reflect his passions. The little noticed (and hard to find) "August Live '03" give you a sense of his ability to rock and jam instrumentally. "Where Joy Kills Sorrow" takes Garrin beyond, with a host of musical expression. My favorite is "The Loop" for lyrics, and for its clever guitar work. "Be Love" echoes his Beatles influence. And the title track is dramatic and subtle. Is it really about a phone call to an old lover? Or is there something else going on? Garrin's a genius and deserves your attention.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Catchy tunes, November 3, 2004

By 

A. Butterfield (UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Where Joy Kills Sorrow (Audio CD)

I have to confess I was a little disappointed when I first played Garrin's new CD. But the best music grows on you, and this does too. I think Garrin puts the music together almost too carefully - I bet he's something of a perfectionist. If you compare his style with say, Josh Ritter, Garrin's music is more... `technical', perhaps even more subtle. Josh Ritter is looser, more earthy.
Garrin's last album was a showcase of different styles. This one (which is probably more cohesive, stylistically) alternates between jangly and dreamy pop, the latter richer and more successful, underpinned by attractive acoustic guitars and laid-back percussion. Garrin's voice is, as ever, clear and warm, and it's the title track that best demonstrates all these elements. The final track does too, and is for me the standout on the album.
'Where Joy Kills Sorrow' is a very listenable album and will no doubt grow on me further, just like Garrin's first album did. It lacks a little richness at times perhaps, lacks the lyrical brilliance of someone like Josh Ritter, but counters these things by burrowing quietly into your subconscious and planting melodies in your head that you won't at first be able to identify.
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