With his latest release, “Gypsy Living”, folk artist
Gabriel Gordon has created yet another eclectic compilation of
folk and R&B tunes. Although keeping true to his French
passions with songs written in Montpellier and the south of
France, this time Gordon branches out to include Woodstock, New
York, Rome and Mexico as places that offered inspiration for a
new release that proves he has matured into a fine musician.
As the lead
guitarist for music sensation Natalie Merchant, Gordon
regularly tours the world, often for up to nine months at a
time. He most recently opened for Van Morrison at the
Olympia in Paris and he also played guitar for
Soulounge, opening for George Benson. That
kind of steady work doesn’t leave many days for writing and
producing ones own album, but Gordon did it anyway and his
songs are rooted in folksy contemplation, with shades of
reflection at each turn. Thus the title “Gypsy Living”,
which Gordon says reflects a life of “never spending more than
a few days or weeks in the same place.”
Of the 14 songs on the CD, “Easy With You” and “Watch the Sky” and the
title track, all received European airplay. Yet, “The Sea”,
“We’re Moving”, and “Key to the City” are not to be ignored, as
they expose a contemporary sound, with vocals that give off a
sense of smooth summer soul.
While the tune “Essence” is the most rousing cut on the CD, as it
combines Gordon’s haughty lyrics with sensual vocalizing, it’s
his cut “Find A Way” that brings the most satisfaction.
Invoking a bit of Me’shell Ndegecello-like guitar rhythms,
Gordon lays down a rhythm track that is pure easy funk without
the hang-over. It is guaranteed not to disappoint.
Produced by Gordon, Steve Refling and Jason Lader, “Gypsy Living”
hosts a stat-studded group of guest musicians, including
Andy Hess (Black Crowes), Deron Johnson (Macy Gray
and Alanis Morisette), Tony Mason (Joan Osborne) and
Jay Bellerose (Paula Cole).
“Gypsy Living”was previously released in Germany through
Trocadero Records (trocadero-recods.com), and is also available in the U.S. through Surprise Truck Records.
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