Reviews

Gabe Dixon’s Lay It On Me

Posted by on July 15, 2021 at 9:01 am


By Brian Rock

Pianist Gabe Dixon lays down some buoyant, soulful, tracks on his third release, Lay It On Me. Heavy Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder influences dance across the keys as Dixon sings jubilant songs of love and life.

The instrumental lead-in to the title track immediately recalls shades of Joel’s “New York State of Mind.” The song then breaks into a gospel-tinged soul celebration of trust. In his Billy Joel meets Michael Bublé voice, Dixon sings, “It’s never easy when your head is wrong. It doesn’t mean you play alone.” Reminding us that a trouble shared is a trouble halved, Gabe invites us to ease our burdens by confiding in someone we trust. “You’ll never see if you’re looking low. Lean on me, I’ll walk you home… Before you curse the stars above, come up here, I’ll give you love. Lay it on me.” The gospel flourish of the chorus conveys a joyous sense of hope and compassion to those in need.

“Something Good,” is a modern rock, “Ode to Joy.”  Pounding out triumphant, major piano chords and singing about the simple pleasures of going out and hanging around with friends, Dixon elevates the ordinary to extraordinary. He slides into the smooth jazz rhythms of Al Jarreau on “Don’t Look Down,” and “I Got Your Love.” Dixon then deep dives into Stevie Wonder’s musiquarium for the inspiration for the funky soul of “I Believe in Our Love.” “Everything About You,” plays with syncopated jazz rhythms to express the playful side of love. Singing, “I might take too long, but my game is strong. Just play along and you’ll see the method to my madness. Well, it didn’t take long to see that you were the one for me. I love, I love, I love everything about you;” Dixon celebrates the cat and mouse nature of love’s machinations. Coming full circle, Dixon taps Turnstiles era Billy Joel for a folk rock, “Last Train Home.” A fitting and poignant coda to the album.

Tickling the ivories until they cry out in joy, Gabe Dixon radiates happiness and optimism. Whether playing with rock, soul, jazz or gospel rhythms, the result is always euphoric. Lay It On Me, plays like a ray of musical sunshine.

gabedixon.com  |  fb  |  buy

Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

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