Customer Reviews

On a Rolling Ball

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On a Rolling Ball is the best album I've purchased in a LONG time. I saw them open for Guster at a Marist College show (May, '02) and although Guster is one of my favorite bands, I frankly believe they were blown away by the openers. The album is a new release on Reprise records, although many of the songs formerly appeared in different versions on a self-released "More than it would seem." The Gabe Dixon band combines many elements to their music. The four man ensemble- drum-bass-sax- and of course,piano(Gabe himself)- has a jazzy/rock/uniquely invented sound. Gabe Dixon, also the lead vocalist, has an incredible voice, comparable to an elton john, Billy joel, perhaps Stevie Wonder'esque sound. They have jam elements and are even beter live, but the album is a must-have. It's only a matter of time before Gabe Dixon Band is a household name like many other college bands (dispatch, guster, sti, hell why not, DMB)Catchy, sing-along-in-the-car classics like More Than It Would Seem, Everything's Ok, and Happy Woman, combined with softer more emotional Corner Cafe, Your Last Fool, and NEW Beauty of the Sea(my new favorite) make this album an incredibly under-rated, diamond in the rough. The one problem with the album: it only has 14 tracks. BUY IT...NOW, you wont regret it.

From their first independent album, to the 3-song EP, to this major label debut, the Gabe Dixon Band never fails to sonically satisfy. In a world all too clogged with music that's had the heart over-produced out of it, where one band is unintelligible from the next, the GDB's "On A Rolling Ball" stands out as one of the only albums in the last few years that's made me drop everything to just indulge in the pleasure of uninterrupted listening.
I have to reiterate what everyone else has said, that this is truly a "something for everyone" disc. Is jazz your bag? Well, these boys really know their way around a hard-swinging rhythm (i.e., "Sitting at the Station", "Bird Dancer"). Dig solid, introspective singer-songwriting? Well, Gabe writes and sings about life and love with more honesty and passion than most songwriters can pour into an entire career (i.e. "Last Fool", "Corner Cafe"). Want pop without bubblegum? Catchy, non-annoying hooks of both the lyrical and musical varieties abound (i.e. "Happy Woman", "More Than It Would Seem"). Wondering when rock got so angry? Irresistable, pound-along-with-the-drums-on-your-steering-wheel-at-the-stoplight beats abound, along with hot bass lines and keyboard work that surely is what sent Billy Joel into rehab (i.e. "Come Around", "Expiration Date"). Every song on the disc also showcases the band's awesome jam dynamic - a strength that is even more apparent in live shows. Non-album live performance faves such as "Appalachain Dancing" also prove that these fellas can capably tackle a bluegrass boot stomper as well. Whether you buy the album or not (but buy the album. Really.), make SURE you get out to a live show. Gabe Dixon, Winston Harrison, Jano Rix, and Chandler Webber are four truly talented young man and a credit to professional musicians everywhere. The GDB never dissapoints and always reminds me what great live music is all about. Forget "similar artist" comparisons - if you like MUSIC, period, you'll love this album and this band.
~Dar

It's so rare that you find an album that you can listen to start to finish over and over again. Well, that's what I stumbled across when I decided to purchase this album a couple weeks ago. I caught them at the Northsix show in Brooklyn and immediately knew they were something else! Highly Recommend this!!

I first heard Gabe Dixon when my band opened for them at a club here in town. My first reaction... "Okay, it's time for me to go home and practice!" Being a piano player myself, this guy has become something of a hero of mine. So precise, really cool phrasing, he makes the piano sing and dance (especially at the beginning of Love Story -- gives me chills). And speaking of singing, he has such a cool voice and is quite a vocalist.

The fact that he's an outstanding player (as are the other musicians in his group) and has a great voice is more like the icing on the cake rather the focus of the album, however. I'm glad that this album seems to be focused on the songs. No matter how how good a group of musicians may be, the songs have to be there in order for me to listen to it for an extended period of time. Let me put it this way: If I had bought this album on casette instead of a CD, I would probably be on my third copy by now having worn out the previous two.

I bought this after I saw the band live in Nashville, and it's absolutely amazing. "Happy Woman" is probably the strongest track, second only to "More Than It Would Seem" -- both are just a new take on beautiful music. It's just a totally great CD, money well spent!

First this edition of Gabe's Dixon's band is nowhere's near the finished product his 2nd effort is. I was really disappointed with the production (really raw, edgy) and the tunes just don't hit home the way his 2nd CD repetoire does. The sax player's contributions however well intended just don't compliment the band and his sound on the instrument is weak. I bought this on the strength of Gabe's 2nd effort which just blows me away. This CD sounds like a band gettting it's act together, which it eventually did, unfortunately it didn't gel on this CD. By all means go see Gabe live. He really gives an inspiring performance!!

This music sounds like a bunch of jazz majors got together and decided to write pop songs, which incidentally is exactly what it is. I've described their sound before as Jamie Cullum meets early Billy Joel meets Dave Matthews Band meets Ben Folds. It's perfect for fans of those artists and the alto saxophone adds a distinct flavor without being too out.

When I heard that these three were all jazz majors at Miami (the drummer was a jazz piano major) I flipped. Being a jazz major and pop song writer/singer myself, this is my dream band. It breaks musical boundaries further by giving the jazz crowd permission to perform pop music and the pop crowd permission to listen to jazz.

"Bird Dancer" is really funky track with a blues solo thrown in for good measure. After the solo section it gets really spacey and just when you think they've copped out they come right back in, all on the same page. It's pretty representative of their capacity to groove and be versatile in general. "Corner Café" is a lilting song with a pretty melody and some good piano work. "Sitting at the Station" is a mostly instrumental piece which has two parts: a quick 5/8 and a laid-back groove.

This album is the future of music. There's no denying that these guys are really good and anybody who's willing to give them a chance will be amply rewarded. If you don't like categories and enjoy adventurous music, you NEED to be listening to this band.

I saw the Gabe Dixon Band a few months ago opening for Jamie Cullum and thought they put on a great show. This album is pure joy.

It had been a long time since I had enjoyed every single track on an album until "On a Rolling Ball" came along. I picked up on a few Gabe Dixon tunes on internet radio and liked it so much I took the chance and ordered the whole album. Two years later it still has a permanent home in my disc changer. You can't go wrong with this album... Whether high school kids, 20-somethings, 30-somethings, or parents of their own 20 or 30-somethings, everyone is a fan.

I bought this CD after being wowed by their track on Bonnaroo v.2. I was a little worried that the CD as a whole wouldn't be as good as that one song. Happily, I discovered my worry was unfounded. This CD is simply fantastic. Great songs and great playing make a nice little package. Oh yeah, the vocals are very strong too. I've listened to it back-to-back on several occasions which is something I rarely do. Definite 5 star material. Don't you love it when you buy a CD knowing very little about the artist and it turns out great? Well, this is one of those. Can't wait for the next one.