Bands

On a Thursday night I see Gamble playing a solo show in Annapolis, MD.  You take one look at him - short hair combed to one side (just long enough to give off a sense of attitude), tight black leather jacket and leather boots, acoustic guitar slung across his shoulders – and know this guy believes in what music can do to the mind and the soul.

Most acoustic shows rely on the player strumming simple chords, playing tepid versions of original songs before the artist relies on covers for an uninterested audience. But Gamble attacks his acoustic guitar with an energy rarely seen at such events.  He tends to lean forward on one foot and face towards the microphone – guitar at a downward angle.  Sonically it sounds like there should be two other musicians on stage with Gamble at any given moment.  On “Angel” and “The Story of Mary”, Gamble plays a progressive chord structure that sounds as if there is percussion behind him.  The sound is so deep, that one wonders if a bass player is lurking around somewhere.

Gamble’s songs take on a new life in this acoustic guise.  Stripped of the band arrangement, the songs reveal a seasoned songwriter.  His voice is tender and heartfelt   -commanding and convincing.  Many musicians seem uncomfortable playing like this  but Gamble makes it seem effortless to switch between acoustic balladeer and all-out rocker. Even just watching Gamble perform solo, it’s clear that he knows how to captivate an audience.  After the show as he is packing away his gear, a woman comes up to Gamble and tells him how much she enjoyed the show.  Gamble smiles and chats with her for a minute.  For him, this is what it is all about – the connection between people and the power of music.