Jarrod Gorbel was a true delight to hear last night. I could tell you all about the many songs he sang, how his voice was amazing, and heartfelt, and full of the kind of poignancy that made you forget you were standing in a crowd, watching him and made you probably make that face you make when you listen to something beautiful at home all alone. I could go on about how charming he was, the funny things he said, the way he interacted with the crowd, the stories he told while he tuned his guitar. I could even tell you how my girl was so enthralled by him that she threatened promised to leave me for him the next time he came to Chicago. But what I think you need to know about Jarrod Gorbel is that for about an hour last night he made a roomful of people sing and sway and crowd up front, next to the stage, and wait in line to meet him after the show. Because what Jarrod Gorbel does is create a sense of commonality between all of us. His songs sum up what we all experience in relationships. His on-stage banter reveals how his life is filled with the inconveniences and disappointments we all share, as well as our common prospects for what great thing might soon happen next. Nothing seems too lofty nor too low for Jarrod Gorbel. And with the obvious talent he holds, pulling that trick out of his hat is magic, indeed.
Go see him perform if you can. His new LP, Devil’s Made A New Friend, is due out in September. He told me it is truly finished and just awaiting album art and distribution. I’ll let you know when I get to hear it. I anticipate it being wonderfully like what we know of him thus far. The songs he played last night from it were sharp, and bright, and fresh. I look forward to them, I know you will too. In the meantime, this little EP, Ten Years Older, is really sweet. With four tracks, it contains some beautifully crafted songs with nice, mellow instrumentation to back his vocals. Click the EP cover art above to purchase directly from him. xoxo.
Make sure you stop over at Daytrotter to download their session with him, it’s fantastic!! (and free)
Tour Dates
Apr 25 2010 8:00P Firebird St. Louis, Missouri
Apr 27 2010 8:00P Jackpot Music Hall Lawrence, Kansas
Apr 28 2010 8:00P Gabe’s Iowa City, Iowa
Apr 29 2010 8:00P Bryant Lake Bowl Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apr 30 2010 6:00P Univ Of Wisconsin- Memorial Union Terrace Madison, Wisconsin
May 1 2010 8:00P Pike Room Pontiac, Michigan
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