Adam Gabriel and The Cavaliers

From the intimate venues of Southern Oregon’s vineyards and breweries to big-time stages like the annual Britt Music & Arts Festival, singer-songwriter Adam Gabriel has made his mark as a constant in the Rogue Valley music scene.

Gabriel’s cutting guitar licks and lyricism blend old school blues and soul with contemporary rock, wielding elements of folk and Southern sounds while backed by his bandmates known as the Cavaliers.

The singer-songwriter was born and raised on the outskirts of Athens, Georgia.

“I would say that my Georgia experience was lots of being outside, building forts, mud and run-ins with bees,” Gabriel said.

With his father playing music in the bars and clubs around Athens and his mother singing in the family’s church choir and around the house from time to time, music was a constant for Gabriel and his seven other siblings.

“Music was just another member of the family in some ways,” Gabriel said. “A lot of my earlier years were spent listening to (my father) playing in the living room for hours; I learned a lot from that.”

Another key aspect of Gabriel and his family’s life was religion, with the singer-songwriter’s first stage being that of his Southern Baptist church.

“In the South, church is sort of a way of life,” he said. “That was a very a primary stroke or color in the painting of my childhood.”

Gabriel and his family moved to Cottage Grove when he was 17 years old, but Gabriel’s complicated relationship with religion was tested to its limit.

“It ended up pulling us from extreme situation to extreme situation,” Gabriel said of religion. “At 17, I was kicked out of the church and excommunicated.”

The singer-songwriter pursued music further following his excommunication, going full-time with his art in 1999.

“For me, music definitely became a way to escape, it was a balm to me and made me feel peaceful in the midst of a storm raging,” Gabriel said. “Even now, when I’m feeling raw or low or depressed, I will pick up an instrument for hours, soothing myself.”

Regardless of the negatives in his formative years, Gabriel carries an assortment of musical influences from his childhood.

“If there was one particular artist that really stands out for early influences, it would be James Taylor," he said. “My dad played so much James Taylor and I think more than anything it was his songwriting (that influenced Gabriel).”
Other formative influences for Gabriel include Jim Croce, Eagles and soulful singers such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin.

More contemporary musicians Gabriel appreciates include Marcus King, Gary Clark Jr., St. Paul and The Broken Bones, and the solo work of Rival Sons’ Jay Buchanan.

Gabriel has released four albums: “Not A Thing” in 2002, “Alive” in 2008, “Neptune” in 2019 and “Back Room” in 2023.

In 2024, Gabriel aims to release new music, either through a full album or new singles.

“My vision for it was to basically take all the songs I’d written, good songs that never made it on album,” Gabriel said of his upcoming work. “The idea was to put it all in one place; my orphans.”

Gabriel has been working with producer Mark Johnson of Blue Jay Productions in Jacksonville with drummer Matthew Kriemelman and Jerry Burke-Perez on bass.

“I’m just trying to be smart about how I do this and present and sell this product; I’m not sure how it’s going to come out yet, whether it’s singles or I give industry the finger and put out a full album,” Gabriel said. “I’m also really adamant about recording things live as much as possible.”

Speaking of live, one of the singer-songwriter’s favorite things in life is playing for a live crowd of listeners.

“I absolutely love playing live, the thing I love most about playing live is when the audience is singing along, clapping and dancing,” he said. “If they’re dancing, that’s it, you won; the whole point is to move people and connect with people.” - Rogue Valley Times

Originally from Georgia, now calling Southern Oregon home, Adam Gabriel is a regular feature at local music venues. His new album Back Room is out April 1st.
Back Room is the new release from Southern Oregon singer/songwriter Adam Gabriel. It was produced locally by Mark Johnson, mastered by Aaron Reed and features area musicians Jerry Burke-Perez and Joey Natiello aka "Joey Mozarella." It's a mix of rock, folk, blues and soul.

Adam Gabriel's family moved from Georgia when he was young and eventually wound up in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Adam left home early and started working in construction. His passion for music lead him to pursue it seriously beginning in about 1999.

Hear him discuss the circumstances around his family's move to the west, recording Back Room, his collaborations with other area musicians and he performs songs some new song in this JPR Live session hosted by Danielle Kelly. - Jefferson Public Radio

Adam Gabriel, a Southern-born artist with a West Coast edge, has released his latest single, Sweet Black Cherry. Known for his powerful blend of soulful rock and blues, Adam brings his unique, heartfelt sound to this new track, capturing listeners with his rich vocals and captivating melodies.

Sweet Black Cherry marks another milestone in Adam’s musical journey, as he continues to create music that resonates with his roots and life experiences. The song reflects his knack for storytelling, drawing listeners in with its raw emotion and southern rock vibe. It’s a track that showcases Adam’s signature style, blending rock, blues, and soul into a sound that feels both classic and fresh.

With a cross-country tour planned for 2025, Adam Gabriel is ready to bring Sweet Black Cherry to fans across the nation. Each performance promises to be a unique experience, filled with the passion and energy that define his music. Be sure to check out the new single and keep an eye out for his tour dates—you won’t want to miss the chance to see this rising artist live. - VENTS Magazine