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CD review by Gary Weeks - music critic - Atlanta, Georgia
Artist: Paul Gabriel
CD Title: Silent Movie
Label: Smoke Ring Records
Label number: 3710133567
Dedicated to songwriting collaborator Howard Russell who passed away in 2005, guitarist Paul Gabriel's CD
Silent Movie is an interesting contrast in study. Paul's heart will always be rooted in the blues. But every now
and then, a detour is taken off the well beaten path.
Silent Movie is very difficult to categorize. It's not something you can easily box.
It's too mature to be considered alternative. So how can you label it? Something with class?
It could fit with the last statement. All the songs but one are by Gabriel and Russell.
And just in case you want to put something different on in your cd player that won't give you a migraine, Silent Movie might
fit all of your needs. The emphasis is on songwriting. Paul's work with Howard proved a godsend for Gabriel to
cherish.
Primarily an acoustic piece of work, electricity pulsates and drives the point home in the pleading
"Where Is Your Heart." The CD couldn't have been more appropriately titled. The effect is cinematic
and can be your life story as much as anyone elses.
Not all the music is melancholy. There's the easy going hillbilly romp in "Walkin In The Grove,"
and an uplifting declaration of spiritual dependence in the acoustic gallop of "Sing This Song."
The ballads are tender and sweet. The background vocals of Maria Nazarro provide a sweet
aromatic scent to "I Know." The presence of 1980's heart throb Michael Bolton casts its shadow over "She Does."
Recognition has to be given to the other players who bring their talents to the table.
Jamie Debicella handles electric guitar duties on "Where Is Your Heart." Drummer Tim Newton lays the beat on some tracks.
Bill Bileca relegates his traditionalist role to upright bass. Multi-instrumentalist Paul Opalach is a jack-of-all-trades
as he plays bass, piano, Hammond Organ, Percussion, Lap Steel Guitar and Cello. With all of this going on, how did he
find time to record, mix and produce this piece of work?
This music isn't about turning it up. It's about reflecting inward and seeking a greater peace
when there's too much revolution in the soul.
A review by Gary Weeks - Atlanta, Georgia
"Traditions are honored in Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band's release Shuffle The Deck. The
sounds of shuffle, swing and slow blues come from eras past. Rooted in the ambiance of influences such as Magic
Sam, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and T-Bone Walker, Shuffle The Deck manages well enough to sound contemporary on its own
musical merits.
Paul Gabriel knows originality is the ingredient that helps his music stand out from the rest.
His bringing the past to the present is comfortable assurance that traditions have their place and shouldn't
be swept under the carpet."
"Paul Gabriel is a fine guitarist" Living Blues Magazine
"Gabriel displays considerable originality both as a songwriter and guitarist."
DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
BLUES REVIEW MAGAZINE
The release of 'Shuffle The Deck' (Smoke Ring 1031) brings guitarist Paul Gabriel and His Blues
Band back to the recording scene. Formerly a sideman to Rory Block and Harry Chapin, Gabriel has been quiet since folding
his own band, Blue In The Face. His electric guitar work is alternately biting ("Live Wire") and lyrical ("Same Old Blues"),
with a brash, trebly tone; playing mostly single-string leads, he leaves it to Pat Gregor ( Hammond organ), Bill Bileca (bass),
and Paul Opalach or Joe Najmy (piano), with Manny Foglio (harmonica) to establish the harmonic structure. 'Deck' mixes a few
covers, including a T-Bone Walker-esque reading of Albert King's " Don't Throw Your Love On Me So Strong" and Boz Scaggs'
" Runnin' Blues," with a number of very good originals-- notably the title cut, a bluesy jazz walk called "Rusty Trombone,"
the closing ballad "Time,"and " Live Wire," a mid tempo number with an unexpected stop - time section. Big organ sounds
and choice harp from Foglio add fullness to the soundscape.
Blues Review Magazine Oct- Nov. 2007 Blues Bites -Tom Hyslop
ANTIQUE BLUES with Bill Nolan
"Paul Gabriel,is his name and he knows how to play
the blues,and the game",Big Time",with "Shuffle The Deck",
his latest recording work. 40 years of experienced guitar
licks really shine on original tunes "Old Time Ball"and the
title track,"Shuffle The Deck",with excellent reworkings of
T-Bone Walker's "Cold Cold Feeling"and Albert King's",Don't
Throw Your Love On Me So Strong".Here's a groovy cd that's
keeping the blues alive well into the future."
Bill Nolan,WPKN-FM Bridgeport,Connecticut.
BarrelhouseBlues.com
Shuffle the Deck - Smoke Ring Records
Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band
One thing was clear when we first listened to this CD - from the very first track, we wanted to put
on our dancing shoes! The disc is filled with swinging, jump n' jiving tunes and smooth, evocative guitar licks. Paul's voice
is especially suited for the music with an understated yet authoritive presence. This disc is a must have for all those that
love to listen and move to the groove.
Rootstime Magazine - Belgium
Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band
"Shuffle the Deck "
A few weeks ago, a few friends and I went to Toad's Place to see Joe Bonamassa. Although he had a typically
fiery show, I wanted to bring your attention to the opening band. They are a clearly seasoned group who had a great sense
of vibe, blues, and fun. It was a 4 piece band complete with the ever cool stand up bass. I enjoyed the opener so much that
I picked up his newest release by the name of Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band: Shuffle the Deck.
Shuffle the Deck is a lively and energetic mix of blues songs that brings back the memories of a smoky
bar with a dance floor and lots of drinks flowing. The first cut is "Old Time Ball" which is a swing blues tune with great
playing and fills. "Five Cars Later" has a similar shuffle vibe that is very catchy. Gabriel's playing through his Gibson
ES-345 (pictured in the liner notes) has that great hollow out of phase tone which brings authenticity to the disc. Not sure
exactly what Paul was up to with the "Rusty Trombone", but it is a tasteful endorsement to the style which is helped by Pat
Gregor on keys. This song slows the overall tempo to a more tasty and thoughtful groove. "Cold Cold Feelin", "Five Cars Later",
and "Runnin' Blues" pick the pace back up, and reminds me what a fun band this is to see live. One of the highlights is an
Albert King cover, "Don't throw your love on me so strong." The disc finishes with a slow Chicago style tune named "Time."
Having the benefit of seeing this band live, the mix of a Hammond organ, stand up bass, that classy
Gibson with the right amount of raunch... makes for a real good listen that has grown on me.
All in all, "Shuffle the Deck" is a fun listen with a lot to teach younger players on taste, style,
phrasing, and keeping music alive- as it should always be. Keep an eye out for Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band, go see something
different... and shuffle the deck!
Manny A. Zayas
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