Gabriel James-In The Hands Of Fools

Artist: Gabriel James
Title: In The Hands Of Fools
Genre: Rock-Folk-Pop
Label: Grass Root Records

Gabriel James has a very contagious vocal style with lyrics that have a bite to them. What he sings about actually means something. The music on In the Hands of Fools is James’ acoustic guitar, affecting vocals, accompanied by a thumping upright bass (Kellie Nitz), a smooth complimenting trumpet (Erik Naslund), and perfectly placed piano parts (Ian Stahl), not to mention the tasteful percussion (Jeremy Johnson) to keep everyone on course traveling down the same tracks. With all of these intrinsic elements hitting on all cylinders like a locomotive steam engine, the 12 tracks presented on this consistent project will keep your own engines humming right along.

James does not waste any time getting to the heart of the matter in each song while setting his words to inviting acoustic guitar and a band behind him that displays their talents fully in each composition. I like to call music like this across-the-board accessible because of its intelligent lyrical content and outstanding musicianship. With those all-important factors in place, you cannot loose your listeners; you simply gain them by word of mouth advertising on how good the album is. Certainly, James will enjoy this kind of reception with his album. The combination of rock, folk, pop, and jazz, makes for an enjoyable listen that you will find yourself reaching for again after the first listen.

Here are a few examples of his pensive thought provoking lyrics:

"Or So You Say"

So here’s the map and here’s the sign
And here’s the spot where you crossed the line
So how’s it going to be?
Here’s the spot where you planted your decision
And there lies the forest that germinated uncontrollably
Shall we put in the call to the demolition, light a match and watch it all burn
Fell it all and start clean

"Keep on Driving"

You’re a trip
You’ve got me driving down this long old road but I love the sound of my wheels making love to the ground
I thought I’d slipped but I was wrong, it’s just the gentle rhythm of the world spinning ‘round
I hit southern Georgia with a smile on my face though I’ve got a blank space that your love used to know
I could drop a quarter in the telephone like you said you wanted my to do when I found my way back home, but I won’t

I do not think his music is In the Hands of Fools, people that are seeking independent releases with depth and meaning set to quality music will continually turn to artists like Gabriel James. How can the guy loose with name like Gabriel? He is heaven sent so let’s enjoy his presence on the music scene by checking out his new CD.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

August 27, 2005

01. Button Down (5:10)
02. In the Hands of Fools (3:25)
03. Keep On Driving (5:52)
04. Maybe (3:47)
05. Neon Marquee (4:06)
06. Capture the Flag (3:52)
07. Swing (5:08)
08. Or So You Say (4:31)
09. Pretend (4:50)
10. Nine Lonely Digits (4:36)
11. Unto Me (5:37)
12. Center (4:41)

Rating-7.5. 10

Credits:
Gabriel James: Guitars, Vocals
Jeremy Johnson: Percussion
Kellie Nitz: Upright Bass, Vocals
Erik Naslund: Trumpet
Ian Stahl: Organ, Piano