Music
Press
Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, Toronto Globe and Mail, Now Magazine, Eye Magazine, To-Nite Magazine (Cover Story!), Penguin Eggs Magazine, Alt. Culture Guide feature ‘View on Pop Culture’ (California), Folkwax Magazine (Cover Story!), Psychedelic News (Hungary) , Psychedelic Fanzine, Rocking’ the Blues (Hamilton), Country Meeting Point (Europe), Entertainment News (Texas), Allegro Record Reports, Blues on Stage, Music Morsels (USA), Country Interviews (Texas), Country Grapevine (Florida), Nail Online, Stardust Record News, Westernstore.de-Community - NEWS – (Germany), Folk Rag (Australia), Outer Shell Magazine (Florida), International Country Music Association Newsletter (Spain), PSYCHE VAN HET FOLK (Belgium), 701 Arts and Entertainment (Hamilton), INDIEcator (Michigan), Canadian Music. Com, CanEhdian.com, Country Home Magazine (Germany), HHGI Guitar Magazine (California), Guitar-9 Magazine, Rambles, and more. - All Over the World -
Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, Toronto Globe and Mail, Now Magazine, Eye Magazine, To-Nite Magazine (Cover Story!), Penguin Eggs Magazine, Alt. Culture Guide feature ‘View on Pop Culture’ (California), Folkwax Magazine (Cover Story!), Psychedelic News (Hungary) , Psychedelic Fanzine, Rocking’ the Blues (Hamilton), Country Meeting Point (Europe), Entertainment News (Texas), Allegro Record Reports, Blues on Stage, Music Morsels (USA), Country Interviews (Texas), Country Grapevine (Florida), Nail Online, Stardust Record News, Westernstore.de-Community - NEWS – (Germany), Folk Rag (Australia), Outer Shell Magazine (Florida), International Country Music Association Newsletter (Spain), PSYCHE VAN HET FOLK (Belgium), 701 Arts and Entertainment (Hamilton), INDIEcator (Michigan), Canadian Music. Com, CanEhdian.com, Country Home Magazine (Germany), HHGI Guitar Magazine (California), Guitar-9 Magazine, Rambles, and more. - All Over the World -
El Mocambo (Toronto), Healey’s (Toronto), Hugh’s Room (Toronto), Silver Dollar (Toronto), Convocation Hall (Toronto), Tranzac Club, Mel Lastman Square (Toronto), Freetimes Cafe, Rancho Relaxo, Corner Coffee House (Newmarket), Cameron House, Renaissance Café, Brunswick House, Comfort Zone, Urban Café, Black Swan, Chicago’s, Staircase Theatre, Wolf’s Howl Pub, Café May, Metropolitan United Church, Indigo Books, Rasputin’s (Ottawa), Oasis Songwriter’s Series, and more. and various clubs across Ontario plus festival such as …. Mariposa Festival, Live From the Rock (Red Rock, ON), Summer Solstice Festival (Fergus), Winterfolk Festival (Toronto) – Founder/Director, Canada Music Week (twice!), Benefit Concert for Earthday Canada, Spring Rise Festival, and more - AND MANY MORE
El Mocambo (Toronto), Healey’s (Toronto), Hugh’s Room (Toronto), Silver Dollar (Toronto), Convocation Hall (Toronto), Tranzac Club, Mel Lastman Square (Toronto), Freetimes Cafe, Rancho Relaxo, Corner Coffee House (Newmarket), Cameron House, Renaissance Café, Brunswick House, Comfort Zone, Urban Café, Black Swan, Chicago’s, Staircase Theatre, Wolf’s Howl Pub, Café May, Metropolitan United Church, Indigo Books, Rasputin’s (Ottawa), Oasis Songwriter’s Series, and more. and various clubs across Ontario plus festival such as …. Mariposa Festival, Live From the Rock (Red Rock, ON), Summer Solstice Festival (Fergus), Winterfolk Festival (Toronto) – Founder/Director, Canada Music Week (twice!), Benefit Concert for Earthday Canada, Spring Rise Festival, and more - AND MANY MORE
Some other the highlights of Gladstone's mercurial rise to indie Country star status include:
• PRIME TIME ROTATION on FM 97.4 Country FM in Australia and New Zealand, where he was the FEATURE ARTIST OF THE MONTH IN AUGUST 2004, resulting in distribution in both countries.
• In December 2001, he was featured in a ONE HOUR RADIO SPECIAL IN LYON, FRANCE.
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was listed in TOP ALBUMS OF 2001 by Joe Vincent, Pirate Radio, Ireland, Jan. 2002
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was listed on Gary Tate's TOP TEN CANADIAN ALBUMS as printed in to-nite magazine, Jan. 2002
• Brian's tune CAR SONG gets 50,000 (fifty thousand) PLAYS AWARD from Colonel Patterson, President of ICMA (International Country Music Association), Feb. 2002
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was rated as FIVE STARS by the International Country Music Association in March 2002.
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was listed on FIVE major European charts based on radio plays, including Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, and Germany
• COVER STORY on F0LK WAX MAGAZINE, Aug. 2002
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS signs with SILVERWOLF RECORDS Vermont (label of Josh White Jr., Odetta, Kingston Trio, etc.)
• Awarded HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP in COUNTRY DJ ASSOCIATION OF BELGIUM presented in person by president MIA HEYLAN
• ARTIST OF THE WEEK by STARDUST RECORDS (world's largest independent record label) by COLONEL BUSTER DOSS, Tennessee July 2002.
• Gladstone has also been busy in areas other than songwriting, recording, gigging and promoting his releases. Last winter he was the organizer of a whole new Folk festival that appears set to become an annual tradition in Toronto, where he resides. - GLADSTONE GETS GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Some other the highlights of Gladstone's mercurial rise to indie Country star status include:
• PRIME TIME ROTATION on FM 97.4 Country FM in Australia and New Zealand, where he was the FEATURE ARTIST OF THE MONTH IN AUGUST 2004, resulting in distribution in both countries.
• In December 2001, he was featured in a ONE HOUR RADIO SPECIAL IN LYON, FRANCE.
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was listed in TOP ALBUMS OF 2001 by Joe Vincent, Pirate Radio, Ireland, Jan. 2002
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was listed on Gary Tate's TOP TEN CANADIAN ALBUMS as printed in to-nite magazine, Jan. 2002
• Brian's tune CAR SONG gets 50,000 (fifty thousand) PLAYS AWARD from Colonel Patterson, President of ICMA (International Country Music Association), Feb. 2002
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was rated as FIVE STARS by the International Country Music Association in March 2002.
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was listed on FIVE major European charts based on radio plays, including Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, and Germany
• COVER STORY on F0LK WAX MAGAZINE, Aug. 2002
• PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS signs with SILVERWOLF RECORDS Vermont (label of Josh White Jr., Odetta, Kingston Trio, etc.)
• Awarded HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP in COUNTRY DJ ASSOCIATION OF BELGIUM presented in person by president MIA HEYLAN
• ARTIST OF THE WEEK by STARDUST RECORDS (world's largest independent record label) by COLONEL BUSTER DOSS, Tennessee July 2002.
• Gladstone has also been busy in areas other than songwriting, recording, gigging and promoting his releases. Last winter he was the organizer of a whole new Folk festival that appears set to become an annual tradition in Toronto, where he resides. - GLADSTONE GETS GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Tom Rush, Josh White Jr., Jack de Keyser, Ian Tamblyn, Tony Quarrington, Ken Hamm, Ron Nigrini, Wendell Ferguson, Norm Hacking, Terry Tufts, Shane Simpson, Brian Blain, Grit Laskin, Rick Fines, David Rotundo, Julian Fauth, Lynn Harrison, Noah Zacharin, Daisy DeBolt and many more.
- THESE FINE PERFORMRS AND MORE
Tom Rush, Josh White Jr., Jack de Keyser, Ian Tamblyn, Tony Quarrington, Ken Hamm, Ron Nigrini, Wendell Ferguson, Norm Hacking, Terry Tufts, Shane Simpson, Brian Blain, Grit Laskin, Rick Fines, David Rotundo, Julian Fauth, Lynn Harrison, Noah Zacharin, Daisy DeBolt and many more.
- THESE FINE PERFORMRS AND MORE
by Gary Tate - Brian Gladstone continues to fascinate, not just from a musical standpoint, but also because he's become a role model by showing what can be accomplished through sheer force of will and determination. Alive and Picking, recorded live at Convocation Hall last February as part of Toronto's annual Winterfolk festival, is merely the latest installment in the unstoppable Gladstone snowball.
The Gladstone master plan has been to expose his distinctive brand of quirky but compelling Folk music to as many people as possible. The manner in which he's done so is a story unto itself, but suffice it to say he has utilized every imaginable tool for tapping into as many sources of publicity and visibility as can be imagined (for incontrovertible proof check out www.backtothedirt.com).
Yet music remains the hub of his wheel, as Brian confirms: "(It's) the motivation for all my activities. All the other activities are merely a vehicle to get the music out there. It's my way to create my own scene, creating innovative channels to get my music heard as all the regular channels were grid-locked".
On that particular cold February night, the Winterfolk warmth poured out from the expansive Convocation Hall stage, toasting the chilliest of bones and creating a real sense of community spirit. It was a very special occasion indeed, as the full backup band was featured including sister Bonnie Piper on harmony vocals, Maureen Brown on drums, Alan Soberman on bass, and the exquisite guitar stylings of the estimable Tony Quarrington.
The result is an eight-song, 35-minute EP with an unadorned and freewheeling sound as un-amplified as the confines of a large auditorium environment permits. Precisely the way Brian - the master of lo-fi engineering - insists it must always be.
The playful, and oftentimes bizarre lyrics of "Betty Two Shoes" and "The Black Bearded Wonder" never get burdened by any over-the-top theatrics; they always retain their understated folksy charm, perfectly reflecting Brian's laid back personality. Making predictions may be the height of conceit, yet I'll go out on the proverbial limb and prophesize that "I Like Me" will go on to be Brian's most enduring creation, simply because its theme of self-worth strikes such a universal chord. It is a definite pinnacle on Alive and Picking.
The guitar plucking is a treat unto itself, so while "Caren 42" remains one of the most sensitive and mystical of Gladstone's compositions, it also acts as the takeoff site for some thrilling cascading guitar work, thanks to the superb acoustic interplay between Gladstone and Quarrington. I wouldn't mind spending an entire evening listening to these 6-string wonders just playing their respective instruments - much like they do on "Somebody Stole My Gal".
"Ashphalt Cowboy", the leadoff track, is another finger- picking extravaganza that takes sly delight in exposing the phoniness and superficiality at the heart of the Nashville myth. "Jamie Lynn" is one of 4 selections on Alive and Picking from Brian's exceptional 2001 release Psychedelic Pholk Psongs, which has garnered worldwide airplay and given him credibility as a top-tier Folk artist. "Jamie Lynn" is a special song about an exceptional woman who chooses the path of deceit and it leaves no doubt that when Brian's at the top of his game, comparisons to Dylan, Cohen, Prine, and Mississippi John Hurt aren't out of line.
Gladstone is an intensely personal writer, yet his songs are accessible to the listener because of his honesty, his dedication to his craft and his varied musings on a wide assortment of subjects. Combine it all with an intrinsic sense of melody, an always impeccable supporting cast, and it's little wonder his audiences are delighted on so many levels. It's this eclectic spirit that's at the forefront of Brian's very unique take on life and Alive and Picking confirms that Brian Gladstone -psychedelic pholkie - can also do it where it really matters: In front of the real pholk.
- Reprinted from To-Nite Magazine November 13, 2003
by Gary Tate - Brian Gladstone continues to fascinate, not just from a musical standpoint, but also because he's become a role model by showing what can be accomplished through sheer force of will and determination. Alive and Picking, recorded live at Convocation Hall last February as part of Toronto's annual Winterfolk festival, is merely the latest installment in the unstoppable Gladstone snowball.
The Gladstone master plan has been to expose his distinctive brand of quirky but compelling Folk music to as many people as possible. The manner in which he's done so is a story unto itself, but suffice it to say he has utilized every imaginable tool for tapping into as many sources of publicity and visibility as can be imagined (for incontrovertible proof check out www.backtothedirt.com).
Yet music remains the hub of his wheel, as Brian confirms: "(It's) the motivation for all my activities. All the other activities are merely a vehicle to get the music out there. It's my way to create my own scene, creating innovative channels to get my music heard as all the regular channels were grid-locked".
On that particular cold February night, the Winterfolk warmth poured out from the expansive Convocation Hall stage, toasting the chilliest of bones and creating a real sense of community spirit. It was a very special occasion indeed, as the full backup band was featured including sister Bonnie Piper on harmony vocals, Maureen Brown on drums, Alan Soberman on bass, and the exquisite guitar stylings of the estimable Tony Quarrington.
The result is an eight-song, 35-minute EP with an unadorned and freewheeling sound as un-amplified as the confines of a large auditorium environment permits. Precisely the way Brian - the master of lo-fi engineering - insists it must always be.
The playful, and oftentimes bizarre lyrics of "Betty Two Shoes" and "The Black Bearded Wonder" never get burdened by any over-the-top theatrics; they always retain their understated folksy charm, perfectly reflecting Brian's laid back personality. Making predictions may be the height of conceit, yet I'll go out on the proverbial limb and prophesize that "I Like Me" will go on to be Brian's most enduring creation, simply because its theme of self-worth strikes such a universal chord. It is a definite pinnacle on Alive and Picking.
The guitar plucking is a treat unto itself, so while "Caren 42" remains one of the most sensitive and mystical of Gladstone's compositions, it also acts as the takeoff site for some thrilling cascading guitar work, thanks to the superb acoustic interplay between Gladstone and Quarrington. I wouldn't mind spending an entire evening listening to these 6-string wonders just playing their respective instruments - much like they do on "Somebody Stole My Gal".
"Ashphalt Cowboy", the leadoff track, is another finger- picking extravaganza that takes sly delight in exposing the phoniness and superficiality at the heart of the Nashville myth. "Jamie Lynn" is one of 4 selections on Alive and Picking from Brian's exceptional 2001 release Psychedelic Pholk Psongs, which has garnered worldwide airplay and given him credibility as a top-tier Folk artist. "Jamie Lynn" is a special song about an exceptional woman who chooses the path of deceit and it leaves no doubt that when Brian's at the top of his game, comparisons to Dylan, Cohen, Prine, and Mississippi John Hurt aren't out of line.
Gladstone is an intensely personal writer, yet his songs are accessible to the listener because of his honesty, his dedication to his craft and his varied musings on a wide assortment of subjects. Combine it all with an intrinsic sense of melody, an always impeccable supporting cast, and it's little wonder his audiences are delighted on so many levels. It's this eclectic spirit that's at the forefront of Brian's very unique take on life and Alive and Picking confirms that Brian Gladstone -psychedelic pholkie - can also do it where it really matters: In front of the real pholk.
- Reprinted from To-Nite Magazine November 13, 2003
December, 2003
This dizzying, dazzling display of country-flavoured, almost funky, folk music is a superb live recording of well-chosen tracks from his debut and follow-up CDs, Back to the Dirt and Psychedelic Pholk Psongs - I'd forgotten how wonderfully Canadian his music is!
Along with stellar recording artists Tony Quarrington and Maureen Brown, Mr. Gladstone (the aptly nicknamed Asphalt Cowboy) has upped his profile again with the addition of long-time North American musical icon Allan Soberman, featured on tastefully subtle bass. Brian's sweet-voiced sister, Bonnie, has progressively acquired a large measure of self-confidence in her harmonies, which is no small feat, keeping up with Brian's own unique rapid-fire vocal patois.
I'm sure there will be people who feel the 8-song EP/CD was just too short to cover the best of the 34 songs Brian has previously recorded. In the meantime, though, they can console themselves with the studio versions on Back to the Dirt and Psychedelic Pholk Psongs while anxiously awaiting the upcoming CD of new material!
Hopefully he will be showcasing some of it at his second annual Toronto Winter Folkfest, of which he is the director and founder.
Robert Digioia (Maestro Fresh Wes, Chocolate Bunnies from Hell, Kim Mitchell, etc.), who also produced Back to the Dirt and Psychedelic Pholk Psongs for Brian, handled the final mix of Alive & Picking, recorded by Reels on Wheels.
Reviewed by Diane Wells ("Rockin' the Blues from Canada") - Reprinted From Rocking the Blues
December, 2003
This dizzying, dazzling display of country-flavoured, almost funky, folk music is a superb live recording of well-chosen tracks from his debut and follow-up CDs, Back to the Dirt and Psychedelic Pholk Psongs - I'd forgotten how wonderfully Canadian his music is!
Along with stellar recording artists Tony Quarrington and Maureen Brown, Mr. Gladstone (the aptly nicknamed Asphalt Cowboy) has upped his profile again with the addition of long-time North American musical icon Allan Soberman, featured on tastefully subtle bass. Brian's sweet-voiced sister, Bonnie, has progressively acquired a large measure of self-confidence in her harmonies, which is no small feat, keeping up with Brian's own unique rapid-fire vocal patois.
I'm sure there will be people who feel the 8-song EP/CD was just too short to cover the best of the 34 songs Brian has previously recorded. In the meantime, though, they can console themselves with the studio versions on Back to the Dirt and Psychedelic Pholk Psongs while anxiously awaiting the upcoming CD of new material!
Hopefully he will be showcasing some of it at his second annual Toronto Winter Folkfest, of which he is the director and founder.
Robert Digioia (Maestro Fresh Wes, Chocolate Bunnies from Hell, Kim Mitchell, etc.), who also produced Back to the Dirt and Psychedelic Pholk Psongs for Brian, handled the final mix of Alive & Picking, recorded by Reels on Wheels.
Reviewed by Diane Wells ("Rockin' the Blues from Canada") - Reprinted From Rocking the Blues
by Christian Lamitschka
It's been an amazing two years for Canadian Folk/Country artist Brian Gladstone since Country Home last chatted with him about his music and plans. He's gone from being an up-and-coming songwriter to become a Country Roots icon to knowledgeable fans in countries around the world! His second album, Psychedelic Pholk Psongs was released shortly afterwards and received immediate global acclaim. Now he's about to release a newly recorded live CD of eight songs, 'Alive and Pickin'. See the website www.backtothedirt.com for information to obtain play copies.
Immediately after the release of Psychedelic Pholk Psongs Stardust Records president Colonel Buster Doss released the song “Asphalt Cowboy” into the world market, where it's received extensive airplay on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. The tune achieved listing on the Worldwide Indie as well as several Mainstream charts based on radio playlists, and has had airplay in over twenty countries.
In a front page article in Toronto's respected to-nite magazine (see www.to-nite.net) reviewer Gary Tate said the album: "marks a showman at the top of his game burning with that light of creativity fuelled by a wellspring of ideas.
The strength of his sometimes quirky, sometimes wistful, other times politically charged lyrics and songwriting, combined with his masterful fingerpicking and unique blend of various Roots music styles, gives the album, recently re-mastered, its world-wide appeal.
Denmark DJ Dann Hansen commented: “Brian Gladstone is just great, and his way to present a song is top notch.”
Said Reverend Keith A. Gordon, in his Aug. 2002 column The Review On Pop Culture: “an imaginative and intuitive songwriter and a natural storyteller, unrestrained by conventional limitations.”
“…one of the more original records I've heard in many months,” said Jesse Sturdevant, Folkwax Magazine reviewer, in Feb. 2002.
Things are looking good for Canadian artist Brian Gladstone.
- Reprinted from Country Meeting Point, September 2003
by Christian Lamitschka
It's been an amazing two years for Canadian Folk/Country artist Brian Gladstone since Country Home last chatted with him about his music and plans. He's gone from being an up-and-coming songwriter to become a Country Roots icon to knowledgeable fans in countries around the world! His second album, Psychedelic Pholk Psongs was released shortly afterwards and received immediate global acclaim. Now he's about to release a newly recorded live CD of eight songs, 'Alive and Pickin'. See the website www.backtothedirt.com for information to obtain play copies.
Immediately after the release of Psychedelic Pholk Psongs Stardust Records president Colonel Buster Doss released the song “Asphalt Cowboy” into the world market, where it's received extensive airplay on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. The tune achieved listing on the Worldwide Indie as well as several Mainstream charts based on radio playlists, and has had airplay in over twenty countries.
In a front page article in Toronto's respected to-nite magazine (see www.to-nite.net) reviewer Gary Tate said the album: "marks a showman at the top of his game burning with that light of creativity fuelled by a wellspring of ideas.
The strength of his sometimes quirky, sometimes wistful, other times politically charged lyrics and songwriting, combined with his masterful fingerpicking and unique blend of various Roots music styles, gives the album, recently re-mastered, its world-wide appeal.
Denmark DJ Dann Hansen commented: “Brian Gladstone is just great, and his way to present a song is top notch.”
Said Reverend Keith A. Gordon, in his Aug. 2002 column The Review On Pop Culture: “an imaginative and intuitive songwriter and a natural storyteller, unrestrained by conventional limitations.”
“…one of the more original records I've heard in many months,” said Jesse Sturdevant, Folkwax Magazine reviewer, in Feb. 2002.
Things are looking good for Canadian artist Brian Gladstone.
- Reprinted from Country Meeting Point, September 2003
Santa Fe, Texas
BRIAN GLADSTONE - SILVERWOLF - "Psychedelic Pholk Psongs" CD has 16-mesmerizing cuts of new-age sounds and productions. It's Alternative Pop in style. "Asphalt Cowboy is " was my pick to hit on Radio. I see Buster Doss of STARDUST is handling radio promotions, so it will do just fine on getting lots of exposure. ..... Good Job!
by Ed King www.wingnut.net/ehk.htm
- Country and Western Corner,
Santa Fe, Texas
BRIAN GLADSTONE - SILVERWOLF - "Psychedelic Pholk Psongs" CD has 16-mesmerizing cuts of new-age sounds and productions. It's Alternative Pop in style. "Asphalt Cowboy is " was my pick to hit on Radio. I see Buster Doss of STARDUST is handling radio promotions, so it will do just fine on getting lots of exposure. ..... Good Job!
by Ed King www.wingnut.net/ehk.htm
- Country and Western Corner,
Brian Gladstone has been a Guest on These Programs ….
Fresh Air CBC with Jeff Goodes, One hour radio special on CKFM 99.9 with Wayne Webster, One hour Radio Special Radio featuring Psychedelic Pholk Songs in Lyon France, CFRB 1010 with John Donabie, 680 News with Gloria Martin, Acoustic Routes CKLN, Blues Radio 91.1 with Danny Marks, The Food Guys with Marty and Avrum CFRB 1010, Ken Stower CIUT 91.1, 'Just Us Folk' with Host Jan Vandehorst CKPC FM 92.1, BLUZ-FM on JAZZ FM with Danny Marks, and more. - AND MANY MORE
Brian Gladstone has been a Guest on These Programs ….
Fresh Air CBC with Jeff Goodes, One hour radio special on CKFM 99.9 with Wayne Webster, One hour Radio Special Radio featuring Psychedelic Pholk Songs in Lyon France, CFRB 1010 with John Donabie, 680 News with Gloria Martin, Acoustic Routes CKLN, Blues Radio 91.1 with Danny Marks, The Food Guys with Marty and Avrum CFRB 1010, Ken Stower CIUT 91.1, 'Just Us Folk' with Host Jan Vandehorst CKPC FM 92.1, BLUZ-FM on JAZZ FM with Danny Marks, and more. - AND MANY MORE
MORE REVIEWS ARE HERE
http://www.backtothedirt.com/images/bttdreviews.htm
• SUSA ONDA RADIO NETWORK, ITALY - Brian's particular way of seeing things through irony and old time approach reminds me of great artists as John Prine, Dave Van Ronk, and Mississippi John Hurt. He is their own true son and he continues their great sounds."
• CANADA MUSIC WEEK MAGAZINE - Toronto singer / guitarist Brian Gladstone is a finger-picking guitar master, a prophetic lyricist, a philosophical story-teller and a dynamic performer.
• CANEHDIEN.COM - WHERE DOES ONE BEGIN TO DESCRIBE BRIAN GLADSTONE? The man is such an anomaly on the side of modern music; a self-propelled master of folk, a throwback to days when music was simpler, yet somehow more touching. The Toronto-based singer-songwriter is an early Bob Dylan, a guitar wizard on par with Jesse Cook, and a lyricist who can evoke a plethora of emotions with a single song.
• TORONTO SUN - With his countrified, playfully narrative lyrics, the indie performer … recalls legendary storyteller John Prine. Psychedelic Pholk Psongs is an eclectic 90 minutes of unadorned, twangy country, moody folk and silly ditties.
• FOLKWAX MAGAZINE - For those who are open minded, take a toke on Psychedelic Pholk Psongs. This is one of the more original records I've heard in many months.
• THE REVIEW ON POP CULTURE - GLADSTONE is an imaginative and intuitive songwriter and a natural storyteller, unrestrained by conventional limitations. A fair-to-middling' guitar picker, Gladstone has a friendly voice and an infectious musical personality. Your humble scribe doesn't know a whole lot about folk music, but know what I like and I like Psychedelic Pholk Songs more every time I listen to it. Psychedelic Pholk Songs is a breath of fresh air, an honest album by a real musician. - BRIAN GLADSTONE HAS BEEN REVIEWED IN OVER 100 WORLDWIDE PUBLICATONS -
MORE REVIEWS ARE HERE
http://www.backtothedirt.com/images/bttdreviews.htm
• SUSA ONDA RADIO NETWORK, ITALY - Brian's particular way of seeing things through irony and old time approach reminds me of great artists as John Prine, Dave Van Ronk, and Mississippi John Hurt. He is their own true son and he continues their great sounds."
• CANADA MUSIC WEEK MAGAZINE - Toronto singer / guitarist Brian Gladstone is a finger-picking guitar master, a prophetic lyricist, a philosophical story-teller and a dynamic performer.
• CANEHDIEN.COM - WHERE DOES ONE BEGIN TO DESCRIBE BRIAN GLADSTONE? The man is such an anomaly on the side of modern music; a self-propelled master of folk, a throwback to days when music was simpler, yet somehow more touching. The Toronto-based singer-songwriter is an early Bob Dylan, a guitar wizard on par with Jesse Cook, and a lyricist who can evoke a plethora of emotions with a single song.
• TORONTO SUN - With his countrified, playfully narrative lyrics, the indie performer … recalls legendary storyteller John Prine. Psychedelic Pholk Psongs is an eclectic 90 minutes of unadorned, twangy country, moody folk and silly ditties.
• FOLKWAX MAGAZINE - For those who are open minded, take a toke on Psychedelic Pholk Psongs. This is one of the more original records I've heard in many months.
• THE REVIEW ON POP CULTURE - GLADSTONE is an imaginative and intuitive songwriter and a natural storyteller, unrestrained by conventional limitations. A fair-to-middling' guitar picker, Gladstone has a friendly voice and an infectious musical personality. Your humble scribe doesn't know a whole lot about folk music, but know what I like and I like Psychedelic Pholk Songs more every time I listen to it. Psychedelic Pholk Songs is a breath of fresh air, an honest album by a real musician. - BRIAN GLADSTONE HAS BEEN REVIEWED IN OVER 100 WORLDWIDE PUBLICATONS -
Discography
1999 - BACK TO THE DIRT - (COMSTOCK RECORDS), Arizona
2001 - PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS - (SILVERWOLF RECORDS), Vermont
2003 - ALIVE AND PICKING - (Recorded Live at Convocation Hall, Toronto) Self Released
2005 - A TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS
Photos
Bio
Hear Brian Gladstone's Music on the New Primetime BBC 2 TV Series
'IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN' - www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo/programmes/?id=easy_green
BRIAN GLADSTONE: SINGER/SONGWRITER/GUITAR MASTER
FROM BASEMENT DEMO TO RECORD DEAL AND WORLD WIDE AIRPLAY
A SUCCESS STORY OF ARTISTRY, HARD WORK, AND PASSION.
Inspired by artists such as Peter, Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot, Brian has been playing guitar and writing songs since the age of 14. During his early adult life, though, he detoured along a more academic path, training as a magnetics engineer. Scientist Nicola Tesla was another hero to Brian at one time, I actually thought I was sent to earth to finish his work, believe it or not! I have a lot of inventions and patents.
Brian has since combined his two passions, science and music, by becoming a world-renowned designer of musical technical components through his own engineering company and single-handedly revolutionized the type of power transformers being used in high-end audio equipment (and rated the best by many of the premiere sound system manufacturers). His style of precise technical writing compliments the highly focused approach he takes to both lyric writing and blending & bending various musical genres.
This drive for perfection and precision resulted in the 1999 release of Brians debut CD BACK TO THE DIRT a quirky, soulful and totally inspiring collection of self-penned songs dealing with everything from traffic jams, lifes hopeless losers and the need to preserve the wolverine. But it is his masterful guitar picking, change-ups and melodies that stand out and support the many industry and media comparisons made to the styles of Arlo Guthrie, Dylan and Phil Ochs. But his intense and playfully witty lyrics announced that here indeed was a true original!
Radio airplay for BACK TO THE DIRT around North American and overseas markets created a buzz in the industry resulting in favorable reviews and numerous awards. Brian has also become active in philanthropic and environment causes, crating and producing a number of high-profile concerts and events for EARTH DAY and FOLK SINGERS FOR PEACE.
In 2001, Brians second CD, PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS brought further praise and even higher CD sales at home and internationally, and was signed with SILVERWOLF RECORDS in Vermont. (Josh White Jr, Odetta) In October of 2003, the third CD was recorded live from Torontos famed Convocation Hall and released under the TITLE ALIVE AND PICKING, featuring frequent musical collaborator, Tony Quarrington.
In response to the rapidly growing interest in the roots/folk genre, Brian created the annual 3-DAY WINTERFOLK FESTIVAL in early 2003 bringing together musicians from across N. America in a series of concerts, workshops and media events. Subsequent to the success of this 2004s Festival, Brians reputation as a promoter and event producer has grown and hes developing strong relationships within the Ontario and national music festivals associations and groups.
Gladstone continues to get airplay for all three albums around the world. As a solo artist or with his band, Brian Gladstone brings a unique blend of folk, roots, blues and country to the performance stage.
Email: brian@backtothedirt.com
Links
