Search - The Gabe Dixon Band :: On a Rolling Ball

In 2 years, I'll be bragging that I heard 'em before you...

Jacob Hancock | Portsmouth, NH | 08/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

An album for good days, bad days, sunny days, rainy days...

Jacob Hancock | 12/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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"

Can't Stop Listening

Jacob Hancock | 11/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!!"