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Vance Gilbert

Chicago, Vermont, and Good Reviews!!

Hi All !!

First a big hello to CT, NH, and Central NY SubDudes fans, as this will be the first mailer since you saw me as part of those wondrous shows with those guys. Welcome aboard.

Thanks again to Laziest Fundraiser Donators. For such a teeny album, there has been such a surprising response. Here's a few reviews (reviews…can you believe it?) of the new album of solo jazz standards Nearness Of You:

Volume 38/Number 218
MIDWEST RECORD
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher

VANCE GILBERT/Nearness of You: Yes, a folk singer can make a jazz record if he wants to.  Sticking mostly to classics and chestnuts, the man and his guitar make an intimate journey through the past.  Still adept at twirling you around his little finger as he was 25 years ago, this is a fine break from the hub bub of the day that makes you feel like you're kicking back at a nice, waterfront bar where everything is mellow and all is well with the world.  Check it out.


And from Jersey Jazz (July August):

Nearness of You (Disismye Music – 009) by singer/guitarist VANCE GILBERT is an album that has been a long time in coming.  He grew up listening to jazz, and eventually rock, souls and folk music, but the jazz was in his first love.  He made his mark musically as an acoustic singer-songwriter, and had much success as a performer and recording artist in this genre, but there always lingered the desire to do an album of jazz standards.  Well, he finally lived out his dream, and the results are wonderfully engaging.  Gilbert has a soft, understated approach to singing, a bit reminiscent of Kenny Rankin.  His phrasing is definitely coming from a jazz sensitivity.  He accompanies himself effectively on acoustic guitar.  As he assays the 14 songs on his program, selections like "Again," "'Round Midnight," "Dindi," "Prelude to a Kiss," "When Sunny Gets Blue," "Laura," and the too often neglected "I'll Buy You a Star," a gem by Dorothy Fields and Arthur Schwartz from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, it is apparent that he is comfortable with singing this kind of material.  He will probably continue with the music that has brought him success in the past, but it would be nice if he can find opportunities to make the kind of music found on Nearness of You an ongoing element in his professional life.  It would be nice for him, and for his listeners.


SHOWS!!!

July 4th & 5th, Sat & Sun, New Bedford, MA - THIS FORTHAJOO-LIE WEEKEND !!!!
New Bedford Folk Festival
New Bedford Whaling Historical National Park
New Bedford, MA
508-999-5231
http://www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com

This is the alternate paradigm as to how a folk festival is done. Some sun but no dirt or naked loonies you shield your kids from (not that they are bad things)  - this festival takes over all of downtown New Bedford and transforms it into a musical paradise. Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis, Peter Mulvey, Boxcar Lillies, John Hammond, Tom Rush, The Nields, Susan Werner, Me, to name a few will be there…

Fri July 10, Middlebury VT
Middlebury Festival On The Green
Middlebury Recreation Park
http://www.festivalonthegreen.org

I go on at 7!!


Here's some shows for you Chicago area people. If you're not in Chicago area, call someone who is and tell them to show up, will you?

July 11, Saturday, North Town IL
Kathy Kelly House Concert Series
West Rogers Park (West Ridge)
(call/email for directions)
630-903-0072.
kmoirakelly@yahoo.com.

It's her livingroom, so get reservations early.

…………………………………………………

July 12, Sunday, 4pm,  Long Grove, Il,
Long Grove Arts & Music Council
"Old Friends" Summer Concert Series
Towner Green on Old McHenry Road
Across from The Village Tavern
http://www.lgamc.org/schedule15.html
...for more info

This place and these people are so cool. And I think this show is free!!


Other stuff of note:

I had an aggravated fan once write and say that I should "stay out of politics because musicians that lend their names to causes get labeled as political singers…"

Well, we couldn't have that, could we? I guess I should just sing dulcet and prettily and be funny. That's what the most inspiring and meaningful folk singers do, like me and Peter Mulvey, and like hundreds of others, right? Like Marvin Gay, Irving Berlin, Blake Shelton, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Benny Goodman, Ani DiFranco, Pete what's-his-name with the banjo...

Yeah. Wouldn't want to get labeled political like those folks...Pfffft:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-take-down-your-flag-folk-peter-mulvey-20150629-story.html

http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2015/06/30/singer-peter-mulvey-rallies-peers-with-confederate-flag-protest/RaJAbFG1Am7Gy0uY0mo8kJ/story.html?event=event25

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-skurtu/take-down-the-flag-peter-_b_7651056.html

No, no intention to enter politics. But to quote my friend Jonathan Byrd:

...It doesn't threaten your heritage. You take off your hat for a lady. You clean the shit off your boots before you walk into a church. It's just a matter of respect. Admit that your perspective might feel right and be wrong. Take it down, South Carolina...

You don't have to be a politician to say good shid.

Oh, and while I have you, I'm against Gay Marriage. Just like I'm against Black/White marriage. Mostly I hate the terminology because theres no such discernible thing anymore in either case. It's just all called "marriage" now, thank Common Sense. Can a brother get an Amen?

xovg

EVENTS:


July 2015


Saturday, July 4th TBA
New Bedford Folk Festival
New Bedford Folk Festival
New Bedford MA
Call 508-673-8523 for more details
Friday, July 10th TBA
Middlebury Festival On The Green
Middlebury Festival On The Green
Middlebury VT
Call 802-462-3555 for more details
Sunday, July 12th 4:00pm
Fountain Square
Fountain Square
Long Grove IL

August 2015


Saturday, August 1st TBA
1794 Meetinghouse Inc.
1794 Meetinghouse Inc.
New Salem MA
Call 978-544-5200    for more details
Friday, August 7th 8:00pm
Guthrie Center
Guthrie Center
Great Barrington MA
Call 413-528-1955  for more details
more events