- Exceptional songwriting, top notch musicianship with a very strong delivery - I liken Nick Granato to a modern day Bob Dylan, and those are some big words I don’t use very often, Outside The Lines is awesome!

With each song I was drawn into Nick’s personal journey, I was left questioning if I could do more in the world to cause change - I loved it, totally effective!

Nick Granato outshines himself on this CD. The music is wonderful and will touch your mind, heart, and spirit. You will want to listen to every song over and over again. I listen to it everyday. He takes life to a higher, but very true level. Just give it a listen, I promise you will love it. Once again this CD is showing the incrediable talent he has. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. GREAT job Nick!!!

VOL#101 - March 2007 Edition
CD: OUTSIDE THE LINES
ARTIST: NICK GRANATO

*EDITORS PICK

I've been watching Nick Granato since he recieved the Song Folk Journal's 2005 Horizon Award by our readership. The truth is you never know what direction an artist will take. I recieved my copy of Nick's latest CD "Outside The Lines", I must say that I was a little taken back because it was not what I expected. Nick's previous releases have had an islandy, Florida style, Buffettesque feel. This CD was far from it. A straight forward Folk/Rock offering, Nick clearly has evolved to another level. Even Nick's vocals have changed for the better. Evolving seems to be the thread that runs through the CD. Social, cultural, personal and political change is on Nick's mind. The musicianship is outstanding, graphics are eye catching, but the songs are astounding, each one of them. I've listened with the lyrics in front of me and I was truly moved. "Outside The Lines" could very well be the catalyst that brings Nick Granato to the musical forefront. I believe this is his best work to date, and one of my favorites in my persoanl collection. Watch this guy!

Song Picks; In This Human Race, My Ordinary Life, No More Stones, Who I Am

Todd Van Harmon/Editor
SongFolk Journal

Excellent CD!!!! Awesome Lyrics, Great Music, get yourself one!

Ohio is Buffet territory, so I am going out on a limb here saying this, but this Nick Granato guy is definitely coming on strong in a totally different way. I purchased the CD Sun Dance while on a cruise, and watched Nick Granato in action, what a talent. Soothing voice, intuitive lyrics, relaxing music. I read an earlier review that mentions a more 'mature' style of music for Buffet fans, I have to agree, this guy lives through his music and brings me with him, My favorite song is ";The Way The Wind Blows". I love this guy, his songs and I'm anxious for his next CD. I'm amazed he's not famous yet, I'm sure going to do my part.

South Florida’s Nick Granato is wise to the creative meanderings that folk rock artists are accustomed to getting away with. Instead of the typical nuances that trap folk rock into repetitive singer/songwriter boredom, Nick opts nicely for occasionally sparse instrumentation but more often than not has plenty of individual tracks and vocal harmonies that most folk rock artists don’t opt for. So that’s one thing that separates him from the oodles of other artists in the genre. The other thing (and it’s a big one) is the quality of his songwriting. He really, and truly, pours his heart into each song. The original intent he claims in writing this album was to capture his current state of where he was in life; he then goes on to say that this direction kept changing as his life morphed into different realms of where he was currently. That’s certainly heard on the album as he pops and weaves between emotions and quite personal tales. It is fun and invigorating to hear an artist like this come around so when he or she does, you’ve got to hold on tight.

- J-Sin