Howe Gelb - Gathered

  by Keith How

published: 22 / 2 / 2019

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The seemingly enigmatic and unfathomable Howe Gelb continues his journey started with the lounge jazz of 'New Standards' with this new offering of fifteen tunes, quite a few of which are collaborations with luminaries such as M.Ward and Anna Karina. The resulting 'Gathered' is a rather strange affair, opening with a salvo of three slow and sometimes seductive ballads that, at first listen, appear a little tired. Of course, this is not the case. Gelb’s legendary world weariness just sounds “different” housed in a lounge jazz setting. Just to confuse you, the sixth track 'The Open Road' is a short, sharp desert blues rocker complete with Duane Eddy guitar -just a reminder that the ghost of Giant Sand has not been exorcised. Just to upset your apple cart again fifteen- year old Talula Gelb offers a delightful take on the classic 'Moon River'. 'Gathered' is a traveller's album full of lost tales and relationships. Beautifully constructed, the dynamics of the album switch from a minimal, strummed guitar that accompanies Gelb’s hoarse vocal to a full jazz crooners' band echoing Chet Baker’s often slightly removed style. The diversity on offer is remarkable. 'The Park at Night' is a trailer park narrative, conjuring up a sense of a 'True Detective' episode with the quiet narrative delivered in hushed tones. 'My Little World' is another Baker-esque offering, upon which a jaunty bass line hustles the tune along while Gelb sings about taking his dog for a walk. 'Gathered' will probably divide opinion. A sidestep from the previous 'Future Standards' albums, 'Gathered' requires listening to and reveals its secrets on repeat listening. I wonder if fifteen songs is too many on this occasion? One thing is certain that is value for money

Track Listing:-

1 On The Fence
2 A Thousand Kisses Deep
3 Not The End Of The World
4 Anna
5 Give It Up
6 The Open Road
7 Moon River
8 Flyin' Off The Rails
9 Gathered
10 All You Need To Know
11 The Park At Dark
12 My Little World
13 Presumptuous feat. Kira Skov
14 Storyteller
15 Steadfast

Band Links:-

http://howegelb.com/
https://en-gb.facebook.com/howegelbmusic/
https://twitter.com/howegelb
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howe_Gelb

Label Links:-

https://twitter.com/firerecordings
https://www.facebook.com/Firerecords
http://www.firerecords.com/
https://firerecords.bandcamp.com/
https://instagram.com/fire_records/
https://www.youtube.com/user/FirerecordsUK

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