Gruft & NewK: The Early Years

“Isn’t It a Dream” (music & lyrics by James Harris Gruft c 2019 JHG Music)

Recorded on cassette July 26m 1986 at ?

James Harris Gruft: piano and vocal; NewK: vocal

Exciting news!…

Back in January 2019, my friend, cool musician, and awesome spirit,
Trevor Exter chose me as a featured artist for an installment of his very hip podcast, Play It Like It’s Music, which at that point had incredible guests including Richard Julian & James McBride!

Trevor came to my Jersey City home and we talked for nearly 2 and a half hours. He did a masterful job of editing it all down into a 45-minute aural history of my life in music.

This included rare solo performances of a couple of songs from my June 2023 release – NewK w/Gatefold: We’ve All Had Our Moments. “Challenge or Dare, Part 1” and “Creases” sound quite different here than the final studio versions. Please check them out!

Special thanks to the artists & friends who popped up in our conversation:Jonatha Brooke; Becca Stevens; James Gruft; Vince Bell; and all the countless creators who have inspired me throughout my journey.