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George Stanford's Spirited Sounds Ring True

It’s the seventh-inning stretch at a Philadelphia Phillies ballgame, and a hush falls over the stadium as George Stanford pauses for a moment, allowing the silence to blanket the crowd. Near the end of his performance, as his soulful voice booms over the PA, “God bless America … my home, sweet home,” the crowd is applauding, whistling and hollering for their hometown boy as he holds the last note.

A lifelong musician and songwriter, Stanford is no stranger to performing traditional American music. His signature brand of guitar and piano-laden tunes are infused with melancholy blues and jazz, string-heavy soul and rock, and twangy, country-tinged melodies played over his affecting vocals.

Stanford’s musical journey began as a trombonist at age 8, a choice of instrument that is apropos to his effortless, placid character. By the age of 15, he picked up the guitar and realized that his life was destined to be dedicated to music. Perhaps it was the jam sessions that didn’t end until the sun came up, or the soul-satisfying creative process poured forth to write a new song. “I had something to say, and I wanted people to hear my voice,” says Stanford.

His voice has taken him on a journey of peaks and valleys in the music business. After arriving in LA and signing with a major label within a matter of weeks, rubber hit the road and Stanford embarked on a mission to support the album. “I love the road. It’s exciting and rejuvenating,” he explains. Right before his album was released, however, the label was forced to cut him, and the spring of support and money abruptly stopped. “Surround yourself with passionate people” is his take-away message to others who interface with the trappings of music-biz bureaucracy.

Since then, Stanford has embraced the LA music scene, forging tight creative and personal bonds with organic rock ‘n’ rollers Truth & Salvage Co. and Andy Clockwise. He is recording his next release at his home-based studio in Hollywood, and is also producing a new E.P. for singer/songwriter Jesse Cole. “Meet Me In L.A.” is his optimistic and beautifully threadbare ode to the possibilities his adopted city lends to young, incredible talents like Stanford. His experience thus far in California has been a collaborative one, and his creative process has been sparked in no small part by the community of musicians he lives and creates with.

With his voice as his compass and his music as his divining rod, Stanford is a talent with staying power, who brings passion to a room of 40 or a stadium of 40,000. His music’s refrain is loud, true and unwavering. Songs like his “Get Free” bring a much-needed respite from today’s pervading uncertainty and strife, and refresh our attention to the carefree days and the big-dreamin’ ways of the people of this land. Stanford’s star shines brightest when he broadcasts this vision, here in his home sweet home.

Connect with George Stanford’s music at www.georgestanford.com

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