November 9, 2002 -
Howard Gladstone Releases "Sunflowers Light The Room "
Album
at Clinton's,
Toronto.
Howard Gladstone released his new album to a full-house and enthusiastic crowd of more than 100 people
at Clinton's. Howard and Band
performed 2 sets, a total of 16 songs, including all the songs on the album, plus
three unrecorded songs.
|
REVIEW: On Nov. 9 2002, Howard Gladstone
debuted his new cd "Sunflowers Light The
Room" for 100 guests. In a cozy room at Clinton's on Bloor St., Mr.
Gladstone introduced us to the provocatively sensitive songs of this album.
The sound in the room was superb. (Intimate shows like this remind me of why
I hate the large venues and prefer this type of musical experience.). Mr.
Gladstone is clearly influenced by The Band and Bob Dylan. However, he has
added his
own unique sensibilities to a group of very strong songs. His voice fits the
songs to a tee. You know that he means it and cares about the songs and
their message when you hear him perform.
Tony Quarrington on guitar (great
arrangements and production on the album/cd), Bruce Longman on bass, and
Mike McLelland on drums provided excellent support for the evening. They
were tight and Quarrington in particular was innovative and interesting.
Mr.
Gladstone has clearly fulfilled a lifelong ambition with this major
undertaking. The two sets entertained as the band dealt out these aural
treats. Many of the songs are seemingly deeply personal and you learn a lot
about Howard Gladstone as you listen. He wears his heart on his sleeve and
is generous enough to let us share.
The entire project can be reviewed at
his website and in particular the artwork on the cd is worthy of a careful
look. The arrangements of the songs, the musicianship, the package and in
particular, the love and caring of Mr. Gladstone for his oeuvre makes this
debut cd /album worthy of high commendation to the Dylanophile/Bandfan.
- Jerry Tenenbaum
jerry.tenenbaum@utoronto.ca
(originally posted to "The Band" website.)
… it was a pleasure; quite some beautifully crafted songs.
congrats on your first release!
- Brian Katz, Musician
Well done on Saturday night! Congratulations! You did a
great job and so did the band.
- Lynn Harrison, Singer/songwriter
|
|
