Singer/songwriter Steve Grout (http://www.stevegrout.com) surprised me. Expecting a folk record, Steve Grout actually experiments with a number of styles, never staying within the acoustic-rock format, which is impressive and commendable.At first, Grout recalls Cat Stevens on"Anything You Want," a slow, plaintive number that crackles like vintage vinyl. By the second cut, though, Grout is leaving us in the dust, copping a sinewy blues riff on the title track that sizzles the speakers. And Grout continues to have more up his sleeve, opting for a country flavor on"Forget About Me" and then echoing the piano-based narratives of Randy Newman on"There Is Nothing," the best track on the album.I wish I could describe Grout's voice, but he sings differently throughout the record, depending on the style of the song. On the energetic"Ride" and the twangy"What Kind of Dreams," there's no trace of the Stevens influence from the opener. Musically, Grout is entering Tom Petty territory, that hook-driven mix of country and classic rock. Almost like a chameleon, Grout shifts colours. The Leonard Cohen-ish dark shadows on"Before It Rains" seems like they emanate from another artist. While this may seem schizophrenic, it actually makes the album even more exciting, strung together mainly by the consistency of its songwriting. Native of Vancouver, BC, Steve Grout has played and recorded with many bands over the years (Dharma Bums, Perry Buchan, Pierre Legault). This month, his much anticipated debut solo effort 'Way to the Ground' has been released.Adam Harrington - Whisperin' & Hollerin'http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/reviews/review.asp?id=4058“When you hit bottom, you’ve got to climb” may be the lyrics to Steve Grout’s title track ‘Way to the Ground’, but there’s no hitting bottom for Grout in this newly released first CD. Vocals reminiscent of an early Tom Petty mixed with the sounds of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and other folk legends, Grout even manages to conjure up the velvet rhythms of Chris Isaak. It merely offers a glimpse into Grout’s ability to deftly turn a slew of musical styles into his own signature sound. Heartfelt tracks ‘There is Nothing’, ‘Without You’ and the achingly beautiful ‘By the Sea’ arouse with thoughtful lyrics and a melancholic splendor you can sink into. Those in the mood to rock will want to crank up the volume to ‘What Kind of Dream’ and ‘Ride’ – classic, feel good tunes where Grout proves he can kick it up old-school-style. With his thinking man’s lyrics and soulful harmonies, Grout has done a stellar job of conveying the beauty of hope against the darkness of pain – all against the backdrop of nature’s ability to inspire and heal. Amazing what can happen when a guitar-toting dude heads down to the beach.Colleen Brow, Freelance Writer, N. Vancouver, BC