Lay It On Me
Rolling Ball, 2021
8/10
The veteran musician Gabe Dixon returns with his first solo album in 5 years, and he’s made the wait worth it as producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Dustin Ransom helps Dixon flesh out hooks, melodies, grooves and a whole lot of inspiration on this career highlight record.
After a brief intro of warm, elegant keys, “Lay It On Me” brings Dixon’s expressive vocals that offers just a touch of grit amid a wealth of smooth, heartfelt and diverse skills as playful drumming and soulful musicianship highlight the absorbing climate.
From there, the snappy “Something Good” recruits equal parts pop and rock amid bright keys, while “Don’t Look Down” moves cautiously, where spirited guitar lines, a dreamy atmosphere and Dixon’s falsetto are certainly appreciated. “I Got Your Love (You Got Mine)” then brings Susan Tedeschi in for a percussively strong and poetic album highlight where the pair duet with divine chemistry.
Deeper still, “Reach (In The Middle Of The Light)” glides with a firm beat as a club friendly atmosphere unfolds, and “Last Train Home” finishes the listen in piano balladry, where an eloquent and reflective tone is displayed from Dixon’s creative mind.
Dixon’s impressive career has had him supporting legends like Paul McCartney and Alison Krauss, among others, and here he again proves he’s more than capable of holding down the show on his own, too, as he carefully navigates between pop, rock, funk, soul and R&B on this mature, eclectic and highly articulate 3rd solo effort.
Travels well with: Tony Lucca- Ain’t No Storm; Brendan James- Leap Taken