by Hailey Mason
Philly native Greg Reinbold, aka GR Stone, stepped out on the World Café Live stage at 8pm on Friday accompanied by his supporting musicians for what he called, his “Birth”. The Philly native has been composing and performing for years since discovering his musical talent at the age of 10, but this was his first all-original performance.
Opening for GR was Cactus Karma, and Paul Hocynec, both musical friends of Stone adding to the “collective” atmosphere that GR Stone was going for. Cactus Karma hit the stage from Princeton, NJ with their R&B and jazz infused rhythm, and a sultry and sassy voice from Pam Soffer. Hocynec, a Philly performer, helped us start the night with his originals songs and making the stage feel full with just his presence alone.
MC MH the Verb (Marcus Harris) introduced GR Stone through multiple songs the two had written and recorded together, a partnership that allows the musicians to flourish both together and apart. GR Stone immediately dove head-first into what can only be called a mind-blowing lyrical and piano experience. You could get lost for the entire set watching his hands fly across the keyboard and feel the passion flowing from his fingertips. Influenced in his writing by his family, his travels, and his relationships both past and present, GR Stone sings with attitude, soul, and a relatability that will transcend you into your own thoughts and emotions, all while getting you dancing to his upbeat tempo.
A diehard Philadelphian, Stone referenced the City of Brotherly Love multiple times throughout his set, making each person at the Café feel as though they were personally connected to the set. Whether you are into jazz, folk, or hip hop, GR Stone had the song for you. Young and old (including GR’s 83-year-old “Granny”) were up and dancing to his tunes, and all begged for more when GR had finished his set. As it came to a close and GR introduced a NYC band, “Cross Culture” there to finish out the night, the audience all wondered in anticipation when GR Stone’s EP, “Cold Coffee” would drop. A cliff hanger for all, we patiently wait for the next show and an EP to get our hands on.
The Birth of GR Stone was a promising start to his career, and although we have heard bits and pieces of his Philadelphia sports-inspired music on the radio, we’re pulling for some “Cold Coffee” on the air to keep us caffeinated until his next show. Until then, we can check out GR Stone at www.grstonemusic.com, on Sound Cloud, or in occasional performances with Philly-local band, Montoj.
