(20 August 2000) Grey Eye Glances albums Songs Of Leaving andFurther On (both originally released under the band name Sojourn)were followed by Eventide and Painted Pictures on Mercury Records. An additional EP sold exclusively on the internetentitled One Day Soon was the band's last release on MercuryRecords before it was merged into a larger label. To ensure theircontinued growth, the band recently purchased back rights to materialproduced while they were with Mercury and released four additionalspecial compilations of rare and live material that was sold via the internet to their most dedicated fans. The band are currently financing their next album by selling tracks individually as downloadable mp3 files.

The first collection of six of these tracks has been released as an EP entitled If I Was ... (Grey Eye Glances (USA) JED0112, 2000). It was recorded at The farmhouse—the band's new 24-track digital studio located in West Point, PA. A second EP is due at the end of 2000. Fronted by lead vocalist Jennifer Nobel, the band also includes Eric O'Dell (bass, trumpet, vocals) Dwayne Keith (piano, organ, melodica, vocals), Brett Kull (guitars, mandolin, banjo, vocals) [Echolyn] and Paul Ramsey (drums, percussion). While the EP is professionally pressed and well recorded, the production quality is reminscent of the band'searliest two releases, with the lushness and rich bottom end typicalof the Mercury era gone.

With only one track co-penned by Jen Nobel, the other five are written by Dwayne Keith either himself or in various combinations withKull and O'Dell. Earlier Grey Eye Glances albums included more JenNobel writing credits. The vocals are again stunning, and the bandhave mixed them way up, as in their earlier releases. Jen's fans willbe well pleased with her vocal work. on If I Was .... Artworkis professional prepared and full lyrics are included.

The EP opens with the title track "If I Was" which is similar to"Painted Pictures" in its rhythm. The brass section adds a lovelytexture to arrangement. Vocal work is evocative and balanced with the individual instrumental parts. Harmony vocals and a wellplayed electric guitar part provide a perfect backdrop to Jen's sensitive vocal in the soft rocking "Moonlight." The sweet andsensitive ballad "In" is softly sung over light acoustic arrangements, perfectly demonstrating the talent of the band's leadvocalist. Instrumentals build for "Even," a typically Grey EyeGlances tune, are well played. The song blends a crystalline lead vocal part with orchestral sounds in the background as energy within the track builds.

"Ordinary Day" is a very upbeat and equally accessible track with melody carried by keyboard and lead vocal offset by a lively guitar part. Crisp percussion and bass puctuate the sound. We were reminded of "Halfway Back" from first listen. The EP concludes with "Hollow,"opening as a delicate and lightly instrumented ballad. Jen's sensitively soft vocals intertwine with searching guitars and delicate percussion andbuild with harmony vocals as the song develops.

The latest release by Grey Eye Glances is certain to thrilltheir following. The band are making great progress towards an independent full length album release, and this EP is a notable step in the process—one to be appreciated by those that prefer CDs to mp3 files! Although not generally available until Septemberthe band's fans can order the EP as a prerelease via the GEGwebsite or by calling toll-free 877-916-5862.Enjoyable in every respect, especially with the return to a self-produced sound, the EP is a very nice listen!