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Press & critical comments
Roots and Rain
Radio York, CHRY, Toronto
There’s nothing sweeter than a wonderfully
raw voice that has a unique, laid-back, authentic and honest sound which
only belongs to a singer whose music can really be felt by other people.
From the minute that Howard Gladstone's blues-inspired voice flowed into my
ears, followed by a stream of Canadian folk guitar picking, I was lost and
found at the same time.
Roots and Rain is the
fourth album released by Howard Gladstone and his band. This musical gift
to the world, created in Toronto, consists of everyday instruments such as
the guitar, the bass and drums, accented by an array of other sounds such as
the mandolin, tabla, violin, accordian, saxophone and clarinet. Howard
Gladstone balances thoughtful and passionate lyrics with calming, soulful
and diverse tunes that compel you to take a deep breath, and simply take the
time to enjoy some good music. Gladstone’s talent for combining antique, yet
apparently eternal, themes and sounds, with lyrics about current realities
facing this planet we call home invites the listener in; his lyrics speak of
love, justice (lack thereof), an interesting past, a nostalgic present, and
a hopeful future.
If you find yourself tired by a
fast-paced lifestyle, I recommend this album to life your spirits and bring
you back down to Earth. There is a lot of talent waiting to be embraced
world-wide (especially here in Toronto) and here is a perfect example that
must not be missed. – Samra Ann
Cassar
CHRY (Radio York) online
Marc Rheaume, CBC Radio
“Howard Gladstone used to write
about music. Now he writes songs. More importantly, he pens the kind of
topical tunes that were the province of singer/songwriters before
navel-gazing became the norm. His music is a tribute to the great artists
who inspired him.”
From
www.altcountry.com
For me,
music deals with emotions. A song should touch the heart and soul of the
listener. When the music is over, you should be filled with very
intense feelings. "Roots and Rain" from the Canadian songwriter Howard
Gladstone does this all. Just like the three earlier CD's: "Sunflowers light
the Room" (2002), "Candles on the River" (2005) and "The Breath in the Wind"
(2007) this new CD excels in subtlety and relaxation. The singer-songwriter
from Toronto is supported by his musical friends. But the basis and power
remains in Gladstone's silky voice with acoustic guitar. The inspired
songwriter considers music and lyrics of equal importance.
The subjects of loneliness, love, exotic places, the struggle against a
difficult and unfair world are all dealt with in melancholy yet warm songs
like "Tammy", "Sweet Lies", "Fall so Deep" and "Kauai Nights".
The album is not packed with a multitude of instruments; the focus
stays with the lovely experienced voice of Howard Gladstone. The atmosphere created by
the musicians, Robin Pirson (percussion), Chris Robinson (saxophone and
clarinet), Tony Quarrington (acoustic and electric guitars) strongly
supports the dreamy character of the album. When I listen to this introspective singer-songwriter and
the Americana style songs of "Roots
and Rain" I am left with a very good feeling. I will never be bored by this beautiful
CD.
(translated from the Dutch)
Read the original Dutch review
http://altcountryfolk.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html
Toronto Moon
Magazine
January 1-7, 2010
"On
Howard Gladstone's fourth album in eight years, at least
judging by the tracks from Roots and Rain that I've heard.. I think this
spiritual but often melancholy Folk and social justice balladeer has found a
new groove and some fresh inspiration... His ballad "Tammy (The Wheels of
Justice)" in support of a woman who was unjustly convicted of child murder
based on the testimony of a discredited pathologist (included on the new
disc) I found moving as a single released last year, as are other social
justiced- themed tunes.... WIth an all-star band once again backing him on
RAR (Tony Quarrington, Kevin Zarnett Shelley Coopersmith, Denis
Keldie, Chris Robinson et all), and professional production, the
new album sets a new bar for his music. Wed. Jan 13 he releases the disc
(with some of those performers joining him and special guest Jon
Brooks opening at 8:30) at Hugh's Room. Tix
are just $14 in advance !."
John Marlatt, Moonshine
Cafe, Oakville
"Howard's music takes us on a picturesque
journey" -
Candles On The River
I'm enthralled (with Candles on the River). The way
Gladstone delivers lyrics; it's as if you are hearing him sculpt a song.
Just like ice carvers at a winter festival, Gladstone shapes ordinary words
into beautiful visions… ….songs of strength and courage…. .…lyrics (that)
bite into the social conscience of humanity and touch us right in the heart…
….arrangements that really make the songs interesting
,,Virginia McIsaac, Rambles.net
…a singing poet… some quite good songs here
… Greenman Review
…. Gladstone’s songs are interesting because of his
passion for musical icons, people and places that he celebrates and laments
…
. Live Music Report
"Howard Gladstone, with the help of some stellar musicians,
has produced a worthy CD of personal reflections and topical songs" - -Jerry Tenenbaum, posted to Band's website.
Sunflowers Light The Room
Echoes of artsy 1970s psychedelic folk rock,
outlaw country, Moorish modes and Dead-edged jazz pop infuse this local
songwriter's unpolished but fascinating debut with loads of retro appeal,
down to his deadpan, slightly off-key Cohenesque delivery.
...If you heard this music in a crowded room, you'd suspect it was a lost gem
from another time.
- Greg Quill, Toronto Star, June 2003
I was impressed by the rhythm in his
lyrics, a perfect balance of words, innovative expression and clarity of
thought that takes one off to new places. He has a lot of solid material..
- Virginia MacIsaac, Rambles, March 2003
This CD is, in the end, a generous and heartfelt invitation to join a
sincere, insightful artist on an uncompromising journey of passage and
revelation. It's all about the moments that heal, and unite, and help to
fuel the light.
- Norm Hacking
WHAT THE PRESS SAYS ...
Complete Reviews
Press release-
March 1, 2007 -
Title: Howard Gladstone's CD, The Breath In the Wind to be released
April 19, 2007
Full press release :
PDF version
Word version
 SONICBIDS
Electronic Press Kit
View Howard Gladstone's EPK
Photos
  
Hi
Res Howard Gladstone
Hi Res- Trio
Hi Res
Howard Gladstone
Hi
Res Howard Gladstone Trio
Album Cover Hi Res
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NEWS
Song for Haitian Orphans
Feb 5, 2010. Howard Gladstone Trio records new song to
benefit Haitian Orphans.
Royalites collected from
"Song For Haitian Orphans" will be donated to charities and organizations
working to support Haitian orphans.
January 13, 2010 - CD Release concert "Roots and Rain" Hugh's
Room, Toronto. Jon Brooks opens.
June 2009- Video performance/documentary
of Tammy (Wheels of Justice) posted to
YouTube
April 19, 2007 - CD Release date- The Breath In the Wind
September 2005- City Roots City Wide Festival at Distillery
District
www.torontocityroots.com
November 2004 - release of "Candles on The River" CD at
Clinton's, Toronto
September 2004 -
Toronto City Roots
Song Celebration music festival at the Distillery historic district for
Labour day weekend.
April 2004 - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage fest. Many
highlights. Bob Dylan. Lucinda Williams. Gospel tent. Great
music. Heard
Hackberry Ramblers,a band that has been together for 71
years... some sort of record for longevity.
March 2004 - India trip. Visited ashram/children's home.
www.alamelu.org
January - March 2004 - In the studio recording & mixing new
album "Candles on the River." Scheduled for fall release.
Musicians include Tony Quarrington, Denis Keldie, Russ Boswell, Al Cross,
plus special guests Anne Lindsay, Eddie Baltimore, Clella Errington and Alan
Soberman.
January 2004 - Oasis North series continues.
Info
July 2003 - Howard organizes new singer/songwriter
series, Oasis North, and first concert is held this month. Well
received series.
June 2, 2003
Groovy Monday album
released featuring 19 songwriters, has been released with
all proceeds going to Arts Can Circle to assist Native youth by funding
music programs and providing instruments. The album was recorded over
several weeks and all musicians donated their songs. A live version of
Howard performing "Sunflowers Light The Room" is included. The
album is $10 and can be ordered directly from the Groovy Monday website.. or
from Howard at any performance. June 2, 2003
www.groovymondays.com
www.artscancircle.ca
January 2003 -
Five of
Howard's songs are now available on CBC's new internet music roots music channel.
January, 2003
www.rootsmusiccanada.com
November 2002 -
CD release "Sunflowers Light The Room"
CD RELEASE PARTY
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2003 Saturday December 6
Oasis Restaurant, 780 Queen St. E, Toronto
With Tony Quarrington, acoustic/electric guitar & mandolin
Plus Special Guests - No Cover - Pay what you can 9PM
Friday October 24
Urban Cafe
8763 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill,
(north of Hwy 7)
8:30PM - 11PM.
(905)- 707-1311
Thursday October 30
Thursday November 27
Oasis North Singer/ Songwriter Series
Upcoming dates, opening set and evening hosted by Howard Gladstone:,
Oasis Restaurant, 780 Queen St. E, Toronto
Friday September 19
Corner Coffee House,
227 Main St. South. Newmarket.
8PM - 11 PM . No cover.
Tel: (905) 595-1696
Corner Coffee House
Saturday June 28 -
3:30 PM
Peace,
Love & Folksongs
Mel Lastman Square, Toronto,
(Yonge St., north of Sheppard )
2:00PM - 10:30PM.
Free admission for whole family.
Featuring Howard Gladstone, plus many others: James Gordon, Norm
Hacking, Tony Turner, Lynn Harrison, Brian Gladstone, Danny Marks, Ray
Materick. David Bradstreet.
www.folksingersforpeace.com
Thursday July 17
Howard Gladstone Quartet
BLUES on BELLAIR, 25 Bellair Ave (Yorkville). with Tony
Quarrington (guitar), Denis Keldie (keyboards), Bruce Longman (bass)
Thursday July 24 -
Oasis Restaurant, 780 Queen St. E.
Howard is organizer/host of Oasis Song Writers Series. This is
the first date in the series, also featuring Noah Zacharin, Michael
Laderoute, Eddie Baltimore. $5 cover
Thursday August 28
Oasis Restaurant, 780 Queen St. E.
Howard is organizer/host of Oasis Song Writers Series. Additional
performers to be announced. $5 cover
Friday May 21, 2003
Corner Coffee House
227 Main St. South . Newmarket
duo with Tony Quarrington.
8PM - 11 PM . No cover.
Tel: (905) 595-1696
Corner Coffee House
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