Shining Stone Records Signs Guitarist Paul Gabriel and
Will Release His Label Debut CD, What’s the Chance, on June
18
Album Produced by Duke
Robillard and Also Features Special Guests Mark Naftalin and Roomful of Blues
Horns
MIAMI, FL – Shining Stone Records announces the signing of
Connecticut-based guitarist Paul Gabriel, and will release his label debut CD,
What’s the Chance, on June 18. Produced by Duke Robillard,
What’s the Chance features Paul Gabriel backed by a core band of
Billy Bileca on bass, Nick Longo on drums and Larry “Buzzy” Fallstrom on
keyboards. Special guests on the new album include Duke Robillard on guitars and
background vocals; former Butterfield Blues Band alumnus Mark Naftalin on piano;
Bruce Bears on keyboards; Steve Pastir on guitar; and the Roomful of Blues Horns
consisting of Rich Lataille on alto/tenor sax, Mark Earley on tenor/baritone
sax, and Doug Woolverton on trumpet.
For decades, Paul Gabriel has been a regional treasure in New
England, and his previous forays into recording have brought him accolades from
fans, critics and fellow musicians alike. In a career that spans over 40 years,
Gabriel appeared on three albums by legendary singer/songwriter Harry Chapin,
played slide guitar on Rory Block’s Grammy-nominated album, Mama’s
Blues, toured with Michael Bolton and recorded and toured with his
several of his own bands.
Now, with the release of What’s the Chance,
Paul Gabriel truly steps into the spotlight on an album of 13
tracks that not only showcases him as a distinctive, bluesy guitarist, but also
a talented songwriter and a master of diverse musical styles. Throughout the new
disc, he takes the listener on a trip of blues, R&B and even excursions into
jazz, as evidenced by the two instrumentals on the CD, “328 Chauncy Street” and
“C.M.C.” On the lone cover, Chris Kenner’s “Something You Got,” Gabriel does the
Crescent City proud with a lowdown and swingy take on the New Orleans
gem.
Gabriel and Robillard have known each other for many years
and the two had a great simpatico in the studio, trading guitar solos on several
cuts, including the jumpin’ opener, “Old Time Ball,” “Ride, Ride, Ride” and the
aforementioned”328 Chauncy Street.” Original Paul Butterfield Blues Band member
Mark Naftalin joins in the fun on two tracks, playing piano on “Devil’s
Daughter” and the duet spot with Gabriel on “Fine At’tire,” a hipster/rhythm and
blues tune that recalls the best of the early ‘50s sound.
“I first saw Duke Robillard
perform around 1968 with a new band called Roomful of Blues.” recalls Gabriel.
“Our paths crossed many times over the next few years leading to the eighties,
and at some point I realized that I needed to absorb what Duke was doing.
Eventually we got together (1983), sat down and just played at Duke's house. He
encouraged me about the things I did well and helped me correct the things that
I was doing wrong, all the time treating me as a peer and always giving me
little clues that would help develop my style further. During the ten years with
my band, Blue in the Face (1987-1997), I did numerous shows opening for Duke,
continuing to learn from him. In 2011, I did a show with him, playing solo and
performing some new songs I had written in anticipation of a new release. One of
the songs I played was called 'Roomful of Blues.' Duke asked me if I had
recorded that yet, and I said I was saving it for the new release. Later that
year, I headed to Rhode Island to start recording the new album with Duke
producing. Right from the beginning, the magic was happening. The band, engineer
Jack Gauthier and Duke all became one, as the chemistry created something very
special, and in my opinion, the best album I have ever
done.”
What’s the Chance
was recorded and mixed at Lakewest
Recording. “Some very special equipment was used during this
recording,” said Gabriel about the sessions, “including a Sony 24-channel tape
recorder, real tape delays and a lot of really great guitars and amps. I used a
1954 Gibson ES-5, a 1963 Fender Stratocaster, a 1966 Fender Jazzmaster, a 1965
Fender Super Reverb and a 1965 Fender Twin Reverb. Duke played a variety of
Fender guitars, Teles and Strats, Epiphone Casino, a Gibson Midtown, and a 1947
Gibson L-7 archtop. Billy Bileca used a 1966 Fender Precision bass and a 1947
Kay upright bass. Mark Naftalin played a real piano and Larry Fallstrom a 1961
Hammond B-3 and Leslie tone cabinet. Nick Longo used a lot of old drums and
Bruce Bears played a variety of keyboards by Nord. The horn section used a
variety of 50s and 60s era instruments that produce a sound that only they
can.”
