Candles On The River by Howard Gladstone

Gladstone's concern for social issues is deeply etched in his songs, from native rights issues ("Aboriginal Burial Ground"), to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder ("Damaged Angel") to the closing of Maritime fisheries ("Fishin' by the Book") to globalization and corporate indifference ("Goin' Offshore").

" Prisoner of New Orleans" and "Photograph" are atmospheric, moody songs with an air of mystery. " Down to the Delta" surveys the history of the blues and wonders where that music is going. The title track "Candles on the River" takes its inspiration and rhythm from a sunrise Gladstone observed in India.

The albums' 11 tracks feature unadorned production and solid ensemble performances. Gladstone provides vocals and acoustic guitar. Tony Quarrington, co-produced the album, and contributes guitar and mandolin. Denis Keldie plays Hammond B3 organ, piano, and accordion. The rhythm section of Russ Boswell on acoustic stand-up bass and Al Cross on drums adds a tasteful no-nonsense bottom end. Guests include Anne Lindsay on violin, the late Eddie Baltimore on slide-guitar, Clela Errington and Alan Soberman on backup vocals, and Bruce Longman. Many of the tracks were recorded in a single take, with minimal overdubs.

REVIEWS:

….I'm enthralled (with Candles on the River). The way Gladstone delivers lyrics; it's as if you are hearing him sculpt a song. Just like ice carvers at a winter festival, Gladstone shapes ordinary words into beautiful visions…

….songs of strength and courage….

.…lyrics (that) bite into the social conscience of humanity and touch us right in the heart…

….arrangements that really make the songs interesting ... Rambles (www.rambles.net)

…a singing poet… some quite good songs here… Greenman Review

…. Gladstone’s songs are interesting because of his passion for musical icons, people and places that he celebrates and laments …. Live Music Report

"Howard Gladstone, with the help of some stellar musicians,

has produced a worthy CD of personal reflections and topical song" - Jerry Tenenbaum, posted to Band's website

Howard Gladstone has a particular brand of folk music that's unlike most of what I'd call great music. Though his music is more complex than a lot of folk styles, his lyrics, his voice and the slow, flowing rhythm that is consistent all the way through the CD is basically a heart-warming melody. It's not quite as sweet as maple syrup -- more like the warm burst of a blueberry when you bite into the pancake. And no matter what your station, regardless of your fears, your failures, your hopes or awards, eating a warm blueberry pancake is a fine, large human experience.

Gladstone is a singer-songwriter whose soft voice often stirs things up unexpectedly when his lyrics bite into the social conscience of humanity and touch us right in the heart. That's the kind of style evident in Gladstone's second CD, Candles on the River. Although the lyrics have an edge, they aren't in your face. The edginess points toward humanity and caring, giving a voice to many troubled souls. While the CD plays, Gladstone's songs take you away from the loneliness of injustice because the loneliness disappears when shared. His understated voice and lyrics somehow produce songs of strength and courage.

I wasn't completely sold on Gladstone's first recording, Sunflowers Light the Room; while I appreciated the lyrics, I wasn't in tune with the style. Now, with Candles on the River, I'm enthralled. The way Gladstone delivers lyrics, it's as if you are hearing him sculpt a song. Just like ice carvers at a winter festival, Gladstone shapes ordinary words into beautiful visions. And he inserts pauses that add to the delight, to the image, to the mood and to let you savour the whole thing.

Guitar by Gladstone, and lots of help from fine musicians such as Tony Quarrington, make for arrangements that really make the songs interesting. My favorite is "Down to the Delta," with a bit of blues going on. It satisfied. "Fishing by the Book" and "Candles on the River" have smart arrangements, but the whole CD is a statement crafted by Gladstone, in the Gladstone style, and I like it very much.

by Virginia MacIsaac

Rambles.NET

8 April 2006

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