Review: “Phoenix Rise” by Grand Dorado

Words by Ree Miller.

Well, here I am again with another weird tale of meeting up with an artist.  I was taking a songwriting course with Michaela Anne, whereby she scheduled a group Zoom call with other writers to share their creations. One of the songwriters/artists, Jeremy Gilliam, and I struck up a conversation, which led to my review of his music. Gilliam goes by the band name Grand Dorado. He lives and tours out of Tucson, Arizona, spreading his brand of “classic rock/country/blues of the ’70s to today.” Following the path forged by his older brother, he taught himself guitar and bass. One thing led to another, and he stepped up as recording engineer on his first record, “Grand Dorado.” 

I asked the requisite question about influences and, aside from some of the usual rock names like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, were Amos Lee, Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt, Keb Mo, and Taj Mahal. Those references explain a lot about style and sound, but his voice is uniquely his own. Smooth and funky, happy and moody, soft and forceful, he brings it all.

Gilliam’s second album, “Phoenix Rise,” named in tribute to a loved one’s grit and determination, highlights his influences, experiences, and skills. He plays a host of instruments on this album (in addition to guitar and bass): lap steel guitar, synthesizers, and, oh yeah, he sings on every song. Gilliam wrote all the songs except “Phoenix Rise,” which was written with Brook Gilliam, and the album artwork was done by Kaelyn Gilliam.

Grand Dorado band members are: 

Steven Lee Tracy – piano and organ

Andrea Connolly – backing vocals

Pete Connolly – drums and percussion, backing Vocals

Lara Ruggles – backing vocals

Miguel Melgoza – drums and percussion

The songs that resonated most with me include: 

“Bridges Burn” tells the story of a parent and child’s developing schism and their opportunity for reconciliation. Lots of harmonies make me want to sing along AND be the backup singer.  

“El Camino” is driven by a drum/cowbell beat with a simple guitar steering the melody. No excessive instrumentation is needed to help Gilliam tell the story of a woman and her car. 

“Ricky Roar” is a tune with a different voice. A turned-up and distorted Rickenbacker helps tell the story of a band, their fan, and a passing comment turned lyrical hook about how a player made that “Ricky roar.” Reminiscent of the StevieNicks/Jane Petty convo resulting in “Edge of Seventeen,” you never know where a lyric will appear.

“We’re Going Out Tonight” – a samba beat!  Now that is something you don’t hear every day!  Not only that, but the subjects of the story/song are dancing the samba! When I mentioned to Gilliam that the story put me in mind of Clapton’s “Beautiful Tonight,” he said he was going for a Mark Knopfler intro riff.  I totally like a Knopfler influence better. (Clapton is kind of icky – sue me.)

Two songs really demonstrate Gilliam’s versatility and command of music history: “Spark” with its scratchy guitar and ’70s Commodores vibe, and “When I’m With You,” having a ’50s/’60s sensibility. Those two are a lot of fun. See what you hear in them.  

“I’m Missing You” struck me as a little like yacht music, almost like “Margaritaville” with its predominant organ riffs, but Gilliam redirected me to the Hall and Oates vibe he wanted to conjure. Either way, don’t miss this one.

“Phoenix Rise” is a smooth, plaintive song of recollection and encouragement. A guitar solo picking bits of Skynyrd, Allman Bros, and a little Bad Co. sprinkled in for spice. 

The album ends up being an eclectic mix of sonic and visual storytelling wrapped up in Gilliam’s talent. Given his influences, is it any wonder?

The album “Phoenix Rise” can be found on all platforms or at granddorado.com. Upcoming live shows can also be found on the website.

Thanks for mining a little gold from Gilliam’s latest album with me. Give it a listen and enjoy!