| Seven Hills:
Jazz Times
On their sophmore outing, Seven Hills,
Seattle's Tony Gable and 206 set out to prove there's more
to the Pacific Northwest than post-Cobain grunge. Percussionist
Gable, a longtime associate of Kenny G, begins to establish
his own voice where, with an electronic sound that is modern
and breezy, but doesn't fall into 'contemporary jazz' clichés.
Gable's ear is tuned to the groove, proven on the brisk 'Jet
City', which parties...
Jazziz Magazine
Gable gained world-wide exposure adding
exotic textures to the touring and recording bands of superstar
saxman Kenny G, and he gathers together some of the city's
brightest jazz players. 'Once again, our goal is to cut another
slice of the jazzier side of the music being played in area
code 206,' says Gable. On this collection, the band's seven-member
core is enhanced by the electric guitar charisma of John Raymond
(who also produced) and, on the opening track, a sizzling
piano solo by fusion legend Jeff Lorber. A harmonic cover
of 'How Long,' sung Take 6 style by labelmates 2nd Nature,
adds an appealing texture as well.
Tony Gable & 206:
Jazziz Magazine
To
borrow a recent movie title, the contagious excitement of
Tony Gable & 206 (heads Up) will be keeping lovers of
passionate and energetic pop-jazz 'sleepless in Seattle',
if the band's debut is any indication...Gable's spunky work
on congas, bongos, etc., keep groove after melodic groove
simmering, even on the smoother fare, and his gang from Northwest
Washington's area code 206 is more than willing to provide
passionate groundwork.
Strictly
Jazz
This
CD blends jazz, R&B, and soul...From track 1 to track
10, this CD really cooks.
Pac
Attacks
There's
no doubt that being a part of Kenny G's touring and studio
band will open some doors for you, but if you set out to release
an album under your own name, it's going to have to stand
on its own two feet. Bottom line...Tony Gable & 206 does
just that.
Jazz
Quarterly
Percussionist
Tony Gable delivers his unique musical vision on Tony Gable
& 206, his first recording as a leader. 206 firmly establishes
Gable among the new breed of musicians who successfully blend
elements of jazz, R&B and soul...Could we be listening
to what 50 years from now ethnomusicologists will refer to
as 'The Seattle Sound?' We hope so.
Rapport
Island
Lady, co-written by Kenny G, features an easy vocal turn by
Gable and a nice combination of acoustic piano (by Havasretti)
and background vocals as well. Kenny G fans for whom this
disc is targeted will no doubt find this especially appealing.
|
