Search - Gabe Cummins :: If You Were You

GABE CUMMINS DEBUTS CD: ?IF YOU WERE YOU? A Fresh Sound from a Young Talent June 1, 2006 (New York, NY)?Guitarist Gabe Cummins announces the release of ?If You Were You,? his debut CD. This landmark album combines funk, rock, jazz, blues, zydeco, R&B, and reggae to create mind-bending and fresh grooves. ?I just play and write what I like,? says Cummins of his far-reaching style. ?It isn?t something I consciously set out to do. I?ve learned to appreciate the rules? now I don?t mind breaking them. I take pride in going against the grain of traditional jazz.? ?If You Were You? features seven tracks of contrasting styles, though all rooted in jazz: ? ?Motivated,? the opening track, sets the tone with a singing melody, playful trading, and ending with Tony Moreno?s climactic drum solo. ? The New Orleans-style second line groove of ?Alonzo the King? provides the perfect vehicle for the guitar/sax angular melodic proclamation. ? ?Tastified? is the radio-friendly choice of this debut?a slow, sexy R&B tune guaranteed to leave you satisfied. ? With great simplicity and depth, ?PRK,? the rock ballad, showcases the composer?s harmonic palette, modeling a combination of sophisticated and gut wrenching. ? The reggae feel of ?I Will Sleep? features another tight groove from the rhythm section and reveals a worldy understanding and appreciation for backbeats. ? ?70?s Model? takes a funky spin on the blues with a nasty bass lines and swirling melodic counterpoint. Here Cummins ventures into the world of wah-wah, tipping a hat to of Jimi Hendrix. ? The record is capped by the modern jazz tour de force- ?Tomorrow (See You Then); the song can?t help but let you know there?s a new heavy hitter on the block? and he?s bringing the jazz- all funked up and nasty. Cummins, who is twenty-five years young, currently resides in New York City where he plays shows at many of the city?s foremost jazz, rock and R&B clubs, including the Blue Note, the Village Vanguard, Groove and the Knitting Factory. Over the course of his career, Cummins has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz including John Scofield, Lenny Pickett, Gil Goldstein, Chris Potter, Kenny Werner, Rich Perry, Ralph Alessi, Jeff Andrews, Russell Malone, Brad Shepik and George Garzone. He performs on stage with some of the area?s top acts including Marly Hornik, Popa Chubby, Debbie Davies, and Chrissi Poland. ?Gabe is an excellent jazz guitar player,? says John Scofield, famed jazz guitarist, composer and Verve recording artist. ?Although his technique and his musicianship are prodigious, Gabe is not simply an exceptional guitarist or composer,? says Hal Crook, Berklee College of Music professor and world-class trombonist. ?He is striving for the deeper, more abstract goal of being an artist, an artist who uses his guitar as a vehicle for expression.? For more information about Gabe Cummins and ?If You Were You,? visit www.gabecummins.com. # # # ?If You Were You? musicians: Gabe Cummins?Guitar Gian Tornatore?Sax Johannes Wallman?Fender Rhodes and Piano Steve Lucas?Bass Tony Moreno?Drums For CD, photo, more info, or interviews, contact: info@gabecummins.com