Crazy Talk
Howard Gladstone
Sonic Peace Music SP000221 (howardgladstone.bandcamp.com/album/crazy-talk)
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Read the Review
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Howard Gladstone’s eighth release is a 12-track recording showcasing his mature clear vocals, poetic storytelling lyrics in jazz to world to folk to rock music. He is joined by his core band members bassist Bob Cohen and guitarist/co-composer/co-producer Tony Quarrington, frequent pianist/vocalist Laura Fernandez and six other musicians.
Title track Crazy Talk, co-written with Quarrington, is a subtle tribute to Patsy Cline, the Beatles and Robbie Robertson. This lighthearted, jazzy country tune features a Quarrington guitar solo, Cohen bass solo, Fernandez back up vocals and Gladstone singing his witty lyrics like “That’s crazy talk… but then again, I’m crazy too.”
Latin/world music references resonate in Little Bird where Jacob Gorzhaltsan’s birdlike flute trills, tweets and high pitched melodies accompany Gladstone. Oh, the Waters is multi-section with colourful guitar and accordion echoing. Irish Rain is a rollicking Irish drinking song held together by drum taps and Gladstone’s classic vocals.
Longtime fans and new listeners alike should enjoy this hopeful, timeless Gladstone release.
