I'm going to tell you that right off the bat I was expecting something different from this The Gabe Dixon Band's self titled album.  I guess between the name of the group and the album cover, I got the feeling that they were a country or southern rock band.  In addition, the cover art reminded me of a bunch of other covers, even a compilation of Doobie Brothers albums (especially the earlier stuff like Toulouse Street and Stampede).  However, once you start listening to their music, although rock, they are not the Doobie Brothers, and I cannot really qualify them as a Southern rock band even through they formed in Miami.  I guess their sound is more of a mellow piano driven rock, in the line of possibly a Billy Joel.  However, they also have their own sound, although reminiscent of the pre-plugged in days of the 70's.

I like their sound, even though it might be a little slow at times (e.g., "Further The Sky"), but their lyrics and musical accompaniments make this a very pleasurable first listening, beginning with the lead track "Disappear." There are also a number of more upbeat songs such as "Find My Way," and "Till Your Gone" One of my favorite songs on the album is the Paul Simonish lyrically and sounding "All Will Be Well," it just needs Art to provide some harmony.

What I find interesting is that when listening to many of these songs, I hear pieces of other artists and their songs in the music of The Gabe Dixon Band. There are songs, as mentioned above I can hear some Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, even Elton John in a few places. I am not saying that they are stealing these other artists songs, but saying that there are a number of qualities of these great musicians that is projected in this music.  It is probably one of the reasons why their songs are so appealing the first time you listen to them.  They have that familiar feeling, but a familiarity of what made those other artists so great.

This is one of those albums that I would strongly suggest to any music lover reading this review.  They have a good sound, with solid lyrics and skillful musicians and singer.  It must also be noted that the composition and production of this album was also superb.  It allowed the vocals, lyrics and music to compliment each other -- something that (as I continue to write) is missing from many of today's releases. But then, if the singer can sing, the musicians can play their instruments and the lyrics are well written, there is not much production that really has to go into recording the album. [The album also gets an extra plus for the case being made of 100% recycled paper]