Vance Gilbert
Promo photos: promo 1, promo 2, promo 3
Publicity: TheArk.org, RainbowBeach.com federicksburg.com, eParisextra.com Delaware County News Network, Midwest Record,
Listen: Ain’t Misbehavin’
Mixed Media Client since: 2014
Vance Gilbert burst onto the singer/songwriter scene in the early 90’s when buzz started
spreading in the folk clubs of Boston about an ex-multicultural arts teacher who was
knocking ’em dead at open mics. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Vance
started out hoping to be a jazz singer, and then discovered his affinity for the storytelling
sensibilities of acoustic folk music. Once word got out about Gilbert’s stage-owning
singing and playing, Shawn Colvin invited him to be special guest on her whole Fat City tour.
Noted not only for being the ever consummate performer, Gilbert has recorded 13
albums, including 5 for Philo/Rounder Records. Along with being opener of choice for
artists as varied as Aretha Franklin, Arlo Guthrie, and Anita Baker, 2006 and 2007 found
Gilbert opening 140+ shows for the late George Carlin. Most recently he’s the opener
of choice for Paul Reiser, the Milk Carton Kids, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes,
and the Subdudes, along with his own acoustic music touring schedule.
Considered by many to be an integral part of the national folk scene, Gilbert’s approach
to the acoustic singer songwriter idiom is significant. Gilbert’s compositions, while
frequently employing sophisticated melodies and harmonies that attest to his jazz roots,
remain sublime attestations to the storyteller’s craft. Recently, international pop star Mike Posner
(I Took A Pill In Ibiza) has included a handful of Vance’s tunes on his next album. Vance even
has a tune on a Grammy Nominated children’s album!
“Vance Gilbert is a living legend who has opened for artists as varied as Aretha Franklin, Shawn Colvin and comedian George Carlin. Gilbert’s jazz-inflected folk guitar features sophisticated melodies and meticulous solo arrangements. Lean back into his chops and admire the pairing of melodic inversions with Gilbert’s storyteller’s eye.” — Ethan Fogus
