Search - Vance Gilbert :: Edgewise

Amazon review is way off

08/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vance is a very talented singer and a lyricist with wit! His version of Lyin' eyes is great, and his a-capella interpretation of King of Rome is beautiful. The lyrics in Rocket to the Moon tell an interesting story, and his vocal range in I'm Watching My Heart is great. On Country Western Rap, his wit shines through, and Good Cup of Coffee tells of still-existing racism. Highly recommended album."

Talent and hard work pay off

12/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having done some stage and studio work with Vance Gilbert years ago, I was eager to hear his first "official label" effort. And what a joy it is! As always, his voice can deliver bell-clear tenor tones or R&B growls...not to mention the occasional yodel, as "County Western Rap" demonstrates. His guitar picking is sophisticated without any flash-for-flash's-sake pyrotechnics -- just check out his instrumental break on "Watching My Heart" -- and he deftly weaves jazz harmonies into a folk framework without daring listeners to play Guess That Chord. And his lyrics manage to cover familiar topics from unfamiliar perspectives: give an ear to "Good Cup of Coffee" and tell me who else has sung about racism through the voice of an African American long-haul trucker? At any rate, I would urge potential listeners to take the (inexplicably harsh) editorial review with a grain of salt, and purchase "Edgewise." It isn't Vance's latest or best-produced effort, but it contains some of his most powerful and durable material. Then catch him live and really get your socks rocked."

Vance Gilbert offers a new dimension in folk music.

Jim Lawter (jimlawter@juno.com) | Stamford, CT, USA | 10/15/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Edgewise," the debut CD by Vance Gilbert, introduces many new elements to the current folk scene. With obvious roots in jazz as well as '60 pop, Gilbert's song stylings bop and weave from giddy peaks to interspective valleys. Gilbert brings a near-classical guitar style to the art of folk guitar playing, enhancing song moods as if adding a musical soundtrack rather than merely accompanying the vocals. Lyrically - although Gilbert revisits the traditional forms of love song, self-pity song, and story song - startling new ground is broken. From the unusual-for-folk-genre prespective of an African American, Gilbert takes us from the hilariously ridiculous (Country Western Rap) to the sadly sublime (Good Cup of Coffee). But the element which stays with you the longest is that incredible voice. This CD demonstrates one of the most clear, beautiful voices in all of popular music today. Do yourself a big favor: buy this CD and play it often."