Adam Gilbert

Nervy in its ambitions, thrilling in its sense of influence-smashing alchemy, and memorable for its raw emotional honesty, Adam Gilbert’s A Generation of Forgotten Kings is an exciting find.

The title track opens A Generation of Forgotten Kings on an billowing, very Coldplay-ish note — as Gilbert makes a stirring call for generational unity toward change: As he calls “let’s see what we can do!,” the song surges forward with arena-shaking intensity.

Of course, there’s nowhere to go but down from there, and Gilbert handles the transition into piano-driven emotional complexity on “How Do We Respond” with a delicate finesse, adroitly laying out the doubt and confusion on the other side of the same question. From there, Gilbert moves deeper into a sense of elegiac reverie with “On a Hill” and “Steady as We Go,” recalling the most resonant of Elton John’s work without directly referencing it.


Pop Music, uncategorized — July 26, 2012 7:09 am
Adam Gilbert – A Generation of Forgotten Kings (2012)
Posted by Nick DeRiso

Nervy in its ambitions, thrilling in its sense of influence-smashing alchemy, and memorable for its raw emotional honesty, Adam Gilbert’s A Generation of Forgotten Kings is an exciting find.

The title track opens A Generation of Forgotten Kings on an billowing, very Coldplay-ish note — as Gilbert makes a stirring call for generational unity toward change: As he calls “let’s see what we can do!,” the song surges forward with arena-shaking intensity.

Of course, there’s nowhere to go but down from there, and Gilbert handles the transition into piano-driven emotional complexity on “How Do We Respond” with a delicate finesse, adroitly laying out the doubt and confusion on the other side of the same question. From there, Gilbert moves deeper into a sense of elegiac reverie with “On a Hill” and “Steady as We Go,” recalling the most resonant of Elton John’s work without directly referencing it.

At his best, Gilbert mixes and matches familiar sensibilities like that, creating something that’s uniquely his own: “This Old World” and “Better,” for instance, share the satiny-smooth approachableness of AM singer-songwriters like Neil Sedaka — even if the subject matter is darker, more modern. Similarly, “Do You Want Me Now” has the brawny operatic sweep of the best Queen, with a touch of Radiohead’s naked openness. I hear Coldplay again in the rhythmically complex “I’ll Hold You In My Arms,” but without even a whisper of irony in the love-struck lyric.

“A Little Emotion” and “Were Accountable” combine the anthematic power of “A Generation of Forgotten Kings” and the turbulent feelings of “On a Hill,” while “Everywhere I Go” explores a torchy, closing-hour vulnerability.

Gilbert’s record finds its power in those depths of emotion, from the loudest crashes to the confidential, almost whispered pleas of “Stay Awhile.” When he powers up again for a rousing finale in “Listen,” completing the circle both thematically and musically for A Generation of Forgotten Kings, there is both a sense of closure, of a completed thought — and also that Gilbert has so very much more to say. - Something Else Reviews -Nick Deriso

The piano-driven pop/rock concoctions in Adam Gilbert’s new release, A Generation Of Forgotten Kings, is an uplifting and emotive work of musical art. The New Jersey-native lends his talents as a singer, songwriter, music director, and producer. Adam presents thirteen songs that border on ballads with a classic rock vein, while including pop standards, gospel-tinged, R&B/down-tempo grooves that are not electronic, but firmly-rooted in bass, guitar, piano, and percussion.
“A Generation Of Forgotten Kings” opens with unaccompanied and non-descript vocals in an anthem-type format. The mostly spoken vocals kick-in and a piano, percussion, and acoustic rock beat follows. The lengthy and rhythmic Coldplay-esque drumming techniques and punchy piano overtures signify a large-scale, anthemic song with background, non-descript vocals throughout the louder parts. There is a good variation with guitar accompaniment, piano, drums, vocals, and bass, which evokes what would happen if Queen and Coldplay formed a modern-day group together.
“How Do We Respond” opens with Adam’s clear vocals and an ever-increasing piano melody that is punchy and persistent. A few guitar notes permeate the piano notes, before a percussive drum-kit adds another layer of complexity. The shimmering guitar notes, thudding drums, and open air vocals provides an anthemic presence overall. Of course, Coldplay signatures are not too far away with spacious, echoing vocals and lengthy guitar/piano arrangements. The end of the song is more chaotic with crashing cymbals, energetic piano and guitars, and moving vocals.
“On A Hill” begins with a jaunty solo piano, but a jazzy, sauntering drum-kit enters with Adam’s classy vocals. A guitar is added to the mix near the end of the song with a conglomeration of piano, vocals, percussion, and strings that signify a cinematic presence. There is enough diversity to keep listeners appeased.
“Everywhere I Go” opens with a pensive, but classic pop standard piano melody and Adam’s smoky vocals. The heartfelt vocals are joined by layered, back-up vocals and a sauntering, percussive beat. The down-tempo groove merges into an R&B classic with smooth bass, clattering cymbals, and throaty vocals with bluesy guitar stylings later on. This song is a small departure from other songs on the album, due to its raw, organic, and R&B sensibilities.
“Better” begins with a steady, punchy piano melody and soaring vocals. The bass starts up and accompanies the fluttering piano notes. A militaristic drum-beat appears for a few seconds, which morphs into a full-blown piano/rock ballad chorus. Cinematic strings appear, as in some of the other songs. The difference lies in the catchiness of the chorus that includes lush percussion, twinkling piano notes, and guitar work that blends in to various degrees.
Adam Gilbert’s new album, A Generation Of Forgotten Kings, contains a baker’s dozen of songs that finds recipes for success with lush piano melodies, ballad-esque arrangements, and spacious rock arrangements that soar into areas of pure beauty. Adam’s vocals are more clear than both Queen and Coldplay, but not as rock-centric. The vocals seem to match the complex percussion and lavish arrangements with ease. The pop/rock sensibilities are matched by a good piano base, but nothing that overshadows the rest of the music. For instance, the piano does not provide a sense of classical arrangements, but rather a jazzy inflection that is pure singer/songwriter material. The use of guitars, piano, drums, bass, and violin are fairly rudimentary, but their tonal ranges are anything but limited. Though, some of the songs are long-winded and repetitive in parts. Adam’s songwriting is top-notch and all of the songs reflect a sense of introspection and hope. Anyone with an interest in the music of Queen, Coldplay, and similar groups will find Adam’s new release worthwhile. ~ Matthew Forss - Inside Music World

Skope: How will you celebrate being Skope A2W for February?
Adam Gilbert: Get 4 bottles of Crystal, find the nearest zoo, party with the monkeys while watching a Knicks game, its going to be fierce.

Skope: Do you have shows coming up that we should take note of?
Adam Gilbert: I will most likely do a CD release party at Centenary College in the spring. The date is not set yet. I do things backwards sometimes usually the CD release party is exactly when you release the CD. I felt I wanted the fans to get to know the tunes first so then when we have the party they can be more familiar with the songs.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Adam Gilbert: I am currently promoting the new album, A Generation of Forgotten Kings. It is available on itunes, amazon, cdbaby.com. Intertwined with intimate personal songs the CD focuses on core values of accountability, responsibility, love, grace and an outward way of thinking that benefits someone other than one’s self. “The title is inspired by the greed of those who lost focus of what’s important. The future is important, the next generation are the kings and queens of tomorrow, we must be role models who lead selflessly. My hope is that some of these songs impact people in this manner so we can grow in such character.”

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
Adam Gilbert: I devote a ton of my time to music since it is my full time job. I usually teach on average 30 students a week, music direct at a church, music direct shows, produce, mix, finding new avenues to promote and market, line up shows, play shows, find song placements, write. It really never ends there is something always on the list.

Skope: Do you get nervous when playing new songs for fans for the first time? Adam Gilbert: Sure of course, anytime your presenting something that is very personal it can be nerve racking. But I also get excited to hear people’s feedback and hopefully it’s good feedback.

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Adam Gilbert: I’m working on writing new tunes for an EP. They are more like art songs but with a singer songwriter approach. I will probably keep it mostly acoustic with piano, string quartet, acoustic guitar, and a couple of other orchestral instruments to elaborate on the sound. The main thing is I want to keep it creative and get away from traditional song format. I have 5 tunes written already but will write more and take the best 5 or 6. I am also writing music for the band as well to keep that momentum going. You can find me on itunes and www.adamgilbertmusic.com those would be the top sites. - Skope Magazine

5 start ratings on itunes and many reviews!! - itunes

Adam Gilbert is an indie singer/songwriter from New Jersey and is our latest SonicBids artist interview competition winner. Although Adam is currently extremely busy both combining working as a musical performer in his own right as well as being the music director at Centenary College, we were delighted when he completed an interview with us at Song Revelation. Read on to discover, amongst other things, who he would like to collaborate with given the chance, what he’s hoping to achieve over the next year and what it’s like living in New Jersey!

Q: If you could use a tagline of less than 20 words to describe your music and who you are what would it be?

Alternative piano based singer songwriter that wants to inspire and create thought provoking music



Q: What is your musical background?

I started taking piano lessons when I was 5. Tried to dance like Michael Jackson when I was 10 but almost set my parents house on fire. Long story. Studied voice, composition and piano at the University of Miami from 2000-2004. Currently making my own records, music directing at Centenary College, Music directing at a Vernon United Methodist Church, producing other people’s records and teaching privately.



Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?

They have been great! I finally finished my new record that came out on January 2nd of 2012. It’s been a long time coming; I worked just about 4 years on it. I wrote a ton of music picked the best 13 songs, engineered, performed, mixed and produced by myself. I did have some help recording drums and bass at the Barber Shop studios in Hopatcong NJ. Also had amazing players the made the music come alive.



Q: Who inspires you musically?

Wow, just so many people for so many reasons. Musically I will get inspired by, composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalist of all types and all genres. There really isn’t enough time in a day to listen or keep discovering or rediscovering music. The genius of Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Debussy, Mendelssohn, Schumann to the singing and playing of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. Even great mixing and recording engineers like Andy Wallace, the sound they help achieve is inspiring. I love the innovative songwriting from Tom Waits, Elliot smith, Bjork, such beautiful creative minds. Also more simple things like older Coldplay or even D’Angelo that just put you in a mood or vibe. As you can see I’m all over the place, but there is so much greatness in all of this!



Q: Which modern day artists do you look up to?

I really look up to and respect Arcade Fire. I mean you can hear and see the joy of their music making. It’s so liberating and so in touch lyrically. They are an amazing band.



Q: Is there anyone you would like to collaborate or gig with?

All of the great musicians or artist I would like to collaborate with would be way to intimidating. As a songwriter I do have some singer songwriter art songs that I would love to hear Tom Waits sing. As far as touring with other groups, Coldplay would be a ridiculous band to tour with since our sounds are both piano based although lately they have been getting away from that.

Q: What songs are on your iPod at the moment?

How much time do you have? Haha lets just say Jeff Taylor and Beat Music are coming out with new CD’s and they should be on people’s iPods. Amazing emerging artists. Some other favorites would be Jeff Buckley, Ben Folds, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Muse, Arcade Fire, Elliot Smith, Radiohead, Billy Joel, Rufus Wainright, Queen, U2, Bjork, Ryan Adams. Those would probably be my top artists on my iPod, as far as songs go anything under those names are going to be very solid. There is also a lot of cool current music happening but for me it doesn’t beat these other names.



Q: What is your creative process for creating a track?

I’m big on doing the music first and mumbling words as I go. Unless there is a clear-cut feeling of - Song Revelation

We had a wonderful time speaking via online to Singer/Songwriter Adam Gilbert about his magnificent music. In this spotlight, the talented artist revealed some important and fun facts about why he decided to make music. We also learned what he wants others to get from listening to his music. Here is his story.

Isaac: Thank you for allowing us to interview you in this format. It seems like the world is excited with tons of new great music. What are you most excited about for your music in 2012?

Adam: Well, as you know, I just released my third CD on January of this year, so initially I am excited about this. In the last few years, I really put everything I am into it and I’m happy with the outcome. It was difficult being the engineer, producer and performer so there is also a huge weight off my shoulders. I’m also very excited about the creative freedom to explore some new material. I have almost all the songs written for an EP that will hopefully be released at the end of this year. They are almost like classical art songs but with an acoustic singer songwriter approach with a string quartet.

Isaac: Which label would you prefer to sign with major or indie, and why?

Adam: It all depends on the deal. The most important thing to me is to be creative and feel a deep connection to what I am doing. If I give up these things for the wrong purpose, I feel like I will lose my identity. I know pretty heavy answer but that’s the truth for me.

Isaac: Do you consider yourself an indie or DIY performer and why?

Adam: I guess that depends on the definition of indie, because that can be thrown around in a lot of different context. I know I’m being difficult! Can I say both? I do a ton on my own but get help from certain people on the promotional side as well. So I’m a dindie, yup I said it.

Isaac: Do you feel that the media supports DIY performers/bands/artists enough? Why or why not?

Adam: Good question. I feel like there is so much great music out there, especially being close to NYC you see that. There is also a ton of music I’m not too into, but that’s ok because whether it’s good or not people should expressive themselves with music!! The one downside of this is that everyone thinks they can be a star so it crowds the scene. A lot of people are in it for the wrong reasons. So it’s difficult for the media to weed through and find the good stuff.

On the other side I’m really against the amount of attention shows like American idol get. You know if Louie Armstrong, Tom Waits or Bob Dylan went on there to sing they would probably laugh at them. Those shows are really missing the point, and unfortunately it’s in the main stream media. I can name a hand full of not only great singers but truly unbelievable songwriters and artist that should receive the amount of attention American idol gets. I can really go on but… you know… DIY artist should receive more attention, but it’s got to be something worth talking about.

Isaac: In your opinion, what are your thoughts on how the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording impact the qualities of the show/recording?

Adam: I’ve never really done any kind of gig or recording that was unusual or strange. I’ve recorded in a church in North West NJ by myself as well as doing the engineering very late at night into the morning. Like 11pm to 4 am. Totally quiet outside because there is a lot of woods. I would take frequent breaks to go outside just sit on the steps and take in that lack of sound. I felt it brought me to a very peaceful place. I always have high expectations for myself but understand these are just songs; it brought an important perspective to me. And hopefully that enhanced the recording!! Let me just say that yes they are just songs but to songwriters and artists let us never undermine the impact they can make! - Junior's Cave

Adam Gilbert’s A Generation of Forgotten Kings is one of those rare finds- an alternative pop/rock album created using the piano as the main instrument that all of the songs are based around. The piano helps make the album different from the vast majority of the alternative rock albums out there….and that difference is what makes A Generation of Forgotten Kings so refreshing.

The newest release from Adam Gilbert starts with the title track,“A Generation of Forgotten Kings”. The 10-second a’capella chant that begins the track gives the listener some indication that this release may be just a little different. And when Jonathan Lamb’s electric guitar leads the instruments for the next few seconds, you get the impression of a straight-out alternative release. It isn’t until Gilbert’s piano shows up 40 seconds into the track that you get a real sense of what to expect. In fact, with the addition of Gilbert’s piano, the track feels like an alternative rock song with a large orchestral influence. The rock band, Gilbert’s piano and the return of the chant from the beginning of the track all combine to create a track that captures the listener and refuses to let them go. The decision to make “A Generation of Forgotten Kings” the lead-off track to the album (and consequently, the title track of the release, as well) was a very bold move that pays off in a large way.

“How Do We Respond,” the second track off the release, also begins with a’capella: The first couple of seconds of the track start with just Adam Gilbert’s strong tenor voice and gradually transitions into something that might remind you of a song by Marc Cohn. The pop/rock feel of the song alternates between Gilbert’s piano and the guitar playing of Jonathan Lamb, creating a tune that goes well with the lyrics written by Gilbert about not knowing exactly what to say when things happen.

With the track “On a Hill,” you really get a chance to hear the talent of Adam Gilbert as a piano player: For most of the five minutes of the track, it is just Gilbert on the piano being backed up by bassist Jason Fraticelli and Mark Guiliana on the drums. The three musicians create a track that sounds a lot like something that Billy Joel might have written. When the rest of the musicians come in to fill out the sound of the song, the band once again creates a track that has an orchestral feel, kind of like seeing Gilbert live on stage in concert.

One of the most powerful tracks on the latest release from Adam Gilbert is the song “A Little Emotion”. Along with the strong lyrics from Gilbert on this track, the rest of the musicians help Adam create a song that contains the right amount of feeling to pull at the heart. This track features Nathan Goehen on bass as well as Leena Gilbert on violin. In fact, it is Leena Gilbert’s playing that truly brings the “emotion” in this song.

You can tell that an album is very strong when a song as strong as Adam Gilbert’s “Better” comes late in the album’s playlist. “Better” is a song about looking forward to times that aren’t so hopeless and trying. The music is very upbeat and helps to boost the positive message of the lyrics. And when the song finally builds to the big crescendo, the listener gets to experience some of the best playing from all of the musicians involved with the song. This could easily be the best track on the album.

While Adam Gilbert is the writer/singer/piano player and the main point of interest on his release, his album of A Generation of Forgotten Kings was created in such a way to allow all musicians involved the chance to shine as much as Gilbert himself, and the musicians that helped are a major reason why the album is so strong. Guitarists Jonathan Lamb, Matt Jaworski and Steve Berstein all help shape the music, while bassists Jason Fraticelli and Nathan Goehen along with drummers Mark Guiliana (who also helped produce the album) and Shawn Baltazor give the song their strength to help make the release so solid - Matheson Entertainment

Voted Garage Band Pop Track of the Day "All of us are missing" January 8th 2007. - garage band

“Fishing For Water” is Gilbert’s second foray into independent music. His first album, “K-16”, provided an introduction to the styles and influences that shaped Gilbert’s sound. “Fishing For Water”, his latest album, expands upon themes first heard on “K-16”. “Break Through Today” starts out the disc with an interesting blend of vocal and piano, with the dramatic tension of the track building up until a guitar cuts through the air. The resulting sound achieved by the track is something that has not previously been heard; the resulting sound on this track mixes equal part musical and Voltaire into a catchy, unique style.

“Give The World A Chance” has a much more natural progression than “Break Through Today”. The musical-like style of the vocals continue, bringing Gilbert’s sound into something that could conceivably be heard on Hedwig and the Angry Inch. In a way similar to “Break Through Today”, the harmonies crafted by Gilbert on “Give The World A Chance” are tremendously infectious. The major difference in “Give The World A Chance” come in the set of influences that Gilbert touches upon; hints of early Michael Jackson and Maroon 5 unite to create something that is simultaneously classic and current. “All Of Us Are Missing” moves the source of harmony from Gilbert’s vocals to the piano work, this time linking together Warren Zevon, Billy Joel, and Counting Crows into a sound that will stay with listeners long after “Fishing For Water” ends. The smooth, silky vocals of Gilbert on “All of Us Are Missing” operate as a cherry on top of what is already a solid track. Gilbert does not let his influences dominate the tracks on “Fishing For Water”; rather, each artist or act that influenced Gilbert is used by Gilbert as a garnish.

The disc reaches new levels with “Danny Knows”, a piano-led track that is unique in that there are two sources of narrative present; Gilbert’s vocals and the flittering piano line. The piano line is most interesting during this track because it approaches (and maybe even exceeds) the level reached by Tori Amos. Where most discs have a solid track or two strewn alongside ten or eleven weaker track, each and every song on “Fishing For Water” could conceivably make it onto pop rotation. Gilbert has taken a major step from where he was at during “K-16”, and subsequent albums will undoubtedly build upon “Fishing From Water” in the same way. Pick up this album before Gilbert’s music is present on every radio station from here to Walla Wall. - Magazine Neufutur

I loved this. It's good to know that artists like this still exist out there just waiting to be discovered. If I heard this on the radio I would buy it immediatly. Good luck to you. I hope to hear more soon.
-Brisko from Panama City, Florida - Garage band

Wow!!! Your songs are wonderful! Why are you not famous??? Your voice is great!! You can reach the depth of my heart!
-Filippo Pavia from Italy - Garage band

This song is wonderful. If I had half the keyboard ability you have I wouldn't be writing stuff here. I'd be too famous for this. Bravo. I honestly don't give 5 stars at all but you have forced me to give you them. Thanks for restoring my faith in this site.
-electriccat Halifax from Canada - Garage band