published: 22 /
2 /
2019
Label:
Fire Records
Format: CD
Off-kilter but haunting lounge jazz on new solo album from former Giant Sand frontman Howe Gelb
Review
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/howegelbmus
https://twitter.com/howegelb
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howe_Gel
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/Firerecor