"They are a rock n roll band at their core but they fold in so many nuances from other genres that labeling a pure rock band is missing something crucial. One song would have a`1 splash of reggae, the next would be a hard-driving blues foot-stomper, then they would slow it down and ease into some heartfelt soul-rock. They kept bringing new flavors of sound at every turn, with the one unifying thread being the stellar voice and lyrics from Teddy Grossman. All of his energy came pouring out on stage and really helped elevate the impact of the music; the sound just seemed to jump off the stage a little higher & farther. But the vocals didn't dominate, they were but the cherry on top of many outstanding instrumental compositions. It was yet another great set from Great Divide and the crowd size reflected the performance: it was now nicely packed but not uncomfortable at all. Perfect.
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Artist press items
"It could have only been two minutes into “Freedom Bell” that I fell in love with their contagious lyrics and heavy handed piano, and the crowd seemed to agree...Great Divide’s funky, blues vibe continued as Teddy worked the crowd, I found it impossible to stand still as the soulful riffs kept me moving the entire time. The band became more than just the music they produced, Great Divide was a pleasure just to watch. It was obvious that these guys loved what they were doing and that is what made watching so exciting.
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" Powerful vocals rocked us throughout, from the soul-infused Great Divide and The O’Mys to the emerging favorite Daphne Willis and always-wild Grace Potter. Great Divide was a band I heard about prior to the fest, but never could imagine just how tight and well-focused this group of talented instrumentalist could be. We’re talking erupting vocals, horns, a cool man tickling the ivory keys and steady rhythms that kept the crowd moving! We were even lucky enough to get “Tell Mama,” an Etta James cover. I could spend more time on this band, but I will let me brief words stand as a testament to the power within the Great Divide. (Here is their set list, by the way: Shine, Hear My Train, Ain’t No Roads, Waiting, Tell Mama, Step Back, Freedom Bell, Follow Me Down) "
" On their debut album Reservoir, Great Divide issues a strong set of tunes steeped in American roots music, but nonetheless entirely modern in presentation. Inspired by the past but not indebted, the band filters this cocktail of blues, soul, and traditional rock - with nods to country, funk, and even reggae - through a contemporary rock and pop lens that makes the music entirely their own. ...The result is the vibe of a tight jam-band with traditional song structures instead of extended jams. For an album containing an ode to the last publicly executed man in the United States, Reservoir is a surprisingly upbeat affair. In fact, I doubt Teddy Grossman and company could sound sullen if they tried. Even at its most serious, Reservoir sounds like the band is smiling through the entire set. It's hard not to smile along with them. "
" The Great Divide is a roots rock band that sounds a lot like New Monsoon with a brass and woodwinds section. Founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the members share a wide variety of influences, including funk, country, blues, reggae and rock. Their debut full length Reservoir is an aptly titled collection of songs showing all those genres, messing them up and lcoking back inot the groove - and all of it is delivered with confidence. Vocalist and songwriter Teddy Grossman has enough power to float on top of the heavy instrumentation, with the gentle touch of keyboardist Jeff Leibovich serving as a the musical quarterback "
" The Great Divide from Ann Arbor, MI was the most jazz influenced of the three, setting the tone for the night, with tight, soulful horns, keys and a great jazz guitar/bass combo. I presume the sophisticated talent of this band is the result of formal musical training. "