CD REVIEW: Gilbert creates magic channeling his heroes

By Diana Nollen

Vance Gilbert set out to write and record a concept album. He has succeeded gloriously.

His concept sounds simple enough: write songs in the style of his musical heroes. Of course, that isn't simple. It's one thing to mimic a famous voice like Bob Dylan's. It's another thing entirely to write a song that sounds like Dylan's. Or gospel-bluesman Thomas A. Dorsey. Or Van Morrison. Or Bruce Springsteen. Or Lynyrd Skynyrd. Or Raffi.

Talk about eclectic.

What this visionary folksinger-songwriter has amassed is a complex array of music that is interesting at every turn, showcasing Gilbert's glorious tenor tones.

The Philadelphia-born Gilbert came to the folk scene in the early '90s, building on his jazz roots. It didn't take long for his star to rise and shine. And now he's bringing his show to CSPS in Cedar Rapids tonight. It won't be just a concert. He calls himself an entertainer and believes in giving audiences more than they will hear by listening to a CD.

But what you'll hear on his new CD is a wonderful melding of styles with universal appeal.

The title track establishes his voice as a cut way above his peers as he channels Van Morrison. The next track, “Welcome to Lovetown,” brings a playful country twang and Gilbert's throaty laugh to the mix. It's impossible to sit still and listen to this one. You just have to get up, dance and clap.

Other outstanding songs are “Goodbye Pluto,” a whimsical ode to the demoted planet, in the style of Shawn Colvin and Raffi; the gentle, bluesy swing of “Old Man's Advice”; the sorrow of “Judge's House,” a la Springsteen or Steve Earl; the forward motion and tail-wagging of his dog tribute, “Whatever Louise Wants”; and the sheer beauty of the gospel-tinged “House of Prayer” and “Some Great Thing,” written for the funeral of a friend.

In other words, virtually every song in this collection is outstanding.

FAST TAKEInformation: www.legionarts.org/music/Gilbert.htm and www.vancegilbert.com

Title: “Up on Rockfield”

Artist: Vance Gilbert

Label: Disismye Music

Performance: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Tickets: $14 in advance at www.iowatix.com or $18 at the door