Customer Reviews

Edgewise

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

"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.

This guy is phenominally talented. I have seen him in concert on multiple occasions and each time I am more impressed than the last. His mastery of the fretboard, diverse and elegant vocals, and overall entertainment value are second to few. Go see him in person. You will not be disappointed. That said, this album is very good as well, but cannot compare to his live performances. Something is lost when you take a real, honest, gritty performer like Vance and try to smooth the edges and "plasticize" him in a recording studio.

Amazon review is way off. This album trembles with passion and heart. Yes, "country western rap" is a dumb folk song crowd-pleaser (but at least it rhymes). The rest of the record goes from raucous celebration to heartbreaking introspection with lyrics that are poetic in their nuance and observation. This is all just a fancy way of saying that this has become one of my very favorite albums, and it introduced me to one of my very favorite artists. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

Best Tracks: Lyin' Eyes, If These Teardrops Had Wings, Slip Away

I ran across Vance Gilbert on a compilation album, he was doing *If Tear Drops Had Wings*, and I liked it well enough to drop some cash and try this album.

I liked it. Vance has a dominate, clear tone that is full of passion. His personal songs are full of life, sadness and joy. He does a cover of *Lyin' Eyes* (made popular by The Eagles, and his revamp of it is inspired.

Four full stars on this one.

Vance Gilbert's Edgewise is a very listenable, drive-able CD. Good for boring drives in the car (especially "Country-Western Rap"). Although Mr. Gilbert won't win any awards for harrowing soulful sounds and deep, searching lyrics -- hey wait -- who wants to listen to THAT?

I'd rather listen to someone who has FUN with his work - Vance always has in concert and that shows in this CD.

Gilbert clearly has decent vocal range and could do more "meaningful" work if he so desired...

But then maybe there is meaning in the general celebration of life and we don't have do be bludgeoned to death with "significance".

I will listen to this insignificant album ofter (when I need a rest from how important everything else is!)

There is undoubtedly a bias in these reviews for those who are pro. I am not. The guy looks nice enough, so I don't begrudge him a buck or two, but this music is inane and virtually unlistenable. Ask me again after I turn 70.