Jersey Shore area artist Gil Velazquez has done it once again. He has released more music and done so in the shortest of manners; a three song EP titled, "SolCelebration."
Velazquez draws from a range of influences. Which are evident in this far too short collection of well written reflections he has assembled. "I've slowly been working on this project and it's a very interesting set of songs," he stated in a recent interview. "I've got so much in my head and in my heart musically that I just can't paint myself into a corner with what I record."
The collection is a triumph over sadness and loss and served as an outlet for Velazquez. Track number one is a heavily latter day Carlos Santana influenced piece with Rob Thomas type vocal inflections called, "Out of My Mind." The song begins with some nicely done guitar work and swells, setting the Latin tone for the rhythms to come. Gil performs all of the instruments and did some drum tracking on this cut which immediately breaks into an upbeat Latin percussion laden toe tapper after the intro. The thing which stands out a bit is the vocal track; something Velazquez doesn't always employ, let alone with the strength that he does here. "Gotta get you out of my mind, it's gonna take a lot this time," no explanation needed here as to this one's inspiration; the only thing more prominent may be the soaring guitar solo in the middle and at the end.
Track number two is the title cut which once again has a very Latin flavor and is a return to Velazquez's trademark; an instrumental work that can best be described as big. Every step of the way, this tune swells, ebbs and flows (mostly flows) and is reminiscent of something from a movie soundtrack. Well placed percussion and a backdrop of keys at opportune times with searing yet sometimes weeping guitar and a great drum track take you on the emotional journey that he intended to convey when it was recorded. This was 10 years in the making and is very personal for Gil, "Sol Celebration" was a genesis of dealing with loss in a spiritual way years ago when my dad passed," he explains about the EP in the disc's booklet. "Years later while finishing up on this production, my mom was transitioning from living independently to a nursing home. She was a lover of life, food, music and people. Her passing while I was finishing this production really struck once again the analogy of our, "Sol" our inner light that I believe does transcend into another light, another energy. I feel it has to be a celebration in some ways as our souls move on."
"Somebody," is thefinal offering and starts off with a keyboard intro which transitions into vintage Velazquez; heavy rhythms and eerie sustains of single notes. Shortly into this more of a rock sounding and definitely driving tune there is a solo with a Wah Pedal buried just beneath the surface of his in your face solo. "Sometimes somebody just says good bye," is the simple message punched home with authority in this once again, reality based tune.
Overall, "Sol Celebration" is a quick trip through the musical and at times eclectic mind of Velazquez. We feel his ups, downs and intentions not only lyrically but through the music as well; a rarity in much of today's pop driven commercial market.
To discover more about Gil Velazquez and find out how to obtain his music; please visitwww.gilvelazquez.com.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Alchemist & Barrister 28 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-5555 Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night" Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA) Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-8777 Please check web page for upcoming events Bill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton (609) 586-0192 Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia Sat. (9 a.m.) "St Patrick's Day Parade" feat. (12 p.m.) Billy O'Neil (2 p.m.) The Polish Nannies Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes) Ages 21+ Blend Bar & Bistro 911 Highway 33 Hamilton (609) 245-8887 Sat. "St Patrick's Day Parade After Party" w/ DJ John Rossi Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke Bowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA (215) 862-2972 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Ed Wilson Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan Sat. 7 p.m. David Dales Trio Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch w/ Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott Tues. 6 p.m. Tony Alosi Wed. 6 p.m. Gary Reed & Arturo Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room 19 E. Union Street Burlington (609) 733-356 Fri. 10 p.m. DJ ByrdBroken Goblet Brewing 1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA (267) 812-5653 Sat. 8:30 p.m. Stealing Fame, Jay Skull in Spades. Bung's Tavern 2031 Route 130 South Burlington (609) 499-1355 Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke Sat. 8 p.m. Live Band Karaoke Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton (609) 695-9612 Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet) Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)Chickie's & Pete's 183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown (609) 298-9182 Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor (609) 426-9400 Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval COARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown (609) 241-7103 Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Deal Casino Dadz Bar & Grill 744 Main Street Lumberton (609) 267-4344 Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night w/ DJ Phil Fri. 10 p.m. Nobody's Business Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Karaoke Dance Party Sun. 4 p.m. Cathryn Manning Duo Tues. 5 p.m. "Twilight Tuesdays-Sounds of the Oldies" w/ J-Dubbs Music Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Christine Smith Diamond's of Hamilton 661 Route 33 Hamilton (609) 981-7900 Thurs. (6:30 p.m. Crosswicks Ballroom) Boheme Opera of NJ. $95 (7 p.m.) "Ladies Night" w/ DJ Frankie "O" Fri. 6 p.m. Tymes 2 Sat. 9 p.m. "Back In The Day" 80's Dance Party w/ DJ Anthony Bradley Sun. 12 p.m. "Jazz Brunch" feat. Ambiance The Duo Wed. 7 p.m. "Dine and Dance" w/ Radio Personality Bob Pantano. Dog & Bull Brew House 810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA. (215) 788-2855 Thurs. 8 p.m. Pop Fiction Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) New Pony Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Kevin Toft and The Alternators Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Jazz Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz (4 p.m.) Ricky & JennyFrans Pub 116 South Main Street New Hope, PA (215) 862-5539 Fri. 8:30 p.m. Honey Spot BlvdFreddies Tavern 12 Railroad Avenue Ewing (609) 882-0978 Fri. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band Sat. 8 p.m. Smoked Ice Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala Gleason's Bar 6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA (215) 943-4781 Fri. 9 p.m. Little Miss Love Jones & the Archangels Grover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction (609) 716-8771 Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker Havana New Hope 105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA. (215) 862-9897 Fri. (8:30 p.m.) Jump OFF (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party Sat. (8:30 p.m.) A tribute to the Talking Heads w/ Start Making Sense. Ages 21+, Doors at 6:30 p.m., $20 (Advance) (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party Sun. (1 p.m.) Midnight Sun Orchestra (6 p.m.) JB Kline Blues Band Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran feat. Sharon Lia Band Hopewell Theater 5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell (609) 466-1964 Check web page for upcoming events Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn 15 East Broad Street Hopewell (609) 466-9889 Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington (609) 737-4465 Thurs. 6 p.m. John & Maggs Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Craig Leah Group Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Deb & Mike Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Jazz On Purpose Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill 7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA (267) 914-4517 Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher Fri. 9:30 p.m. Whiskey Dick Sat. 9:30 p.m. Great Scott Band Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus (732) 306-9111 Fri. 6 p.m. Lefty Mann Sat. 2 p.m. Ed Wilson & Carol Brooks Sun. 2 p.m. Gregg Parker Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton (609) 888-1435 Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke Fri. 9 p.m. Audio Pilot Sat. 9 p.m. Einstein Bridge All shows 21+ Jake's Eatery 869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA (215) 322-6787 Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ Bob Tomlinson Sat. 9 p.m. Matt Sevier Sun. 7:30 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Bob Tomlinson Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa. (215) 862-5981 Thurs. 9 p.m. Mike DiAlto's "Stand Up Comedy" Fri. 9 p.m. Essie & The Big Chill Sat. (3 p.m.) Anthony Sacchetti (9:30 p.m.) The Fletchers Sun.(3 p.m.) Pumpkin's Drag Show (9:30 p.m.) Human Adult Band Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational All shows 21+Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton (609) 586-1166 Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Byrd Sat. "St Patrick's Day Parade" (2 p.m.) Bantry Boys (6 p.m.) Successful Failures (9 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt (609) 752-0200 Thurs. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out "Wine Bottle Painting" Fri. 7 p.m. Country Line Dancing Sat. 1 p.m. B-Street Duo Sun. 1 p.m. Steve Berger DuoLegend's Pizza 318 High Street Burlington Sat. 6 p.m. Kim Yarson & Sandy Zio Logan Inn 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA (215) 862-2300 Fri. 7:30 p.m. Stephanie Chin Sat. 7:30 p.m. Ed Wall Sun. 11 am "Jazz Brunch" feat. Dave DalesMama Flora's Trattoria & Catering 1750 North Olden Avenue Ext. Ewing (609) 434-1188 Sat. 6 p.m. Bryan Hill Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton (609) 588-5454 Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider McGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence (609) 392-0599 Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke Ages 21+ McStews Irish Sports Pub 5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA (215) 949-9570 Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim Fri. 10 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ DJ O_Geez Sat. 8:30 p.m. "Hard Rock Hallelujah" feat. Uprise Shadow, Souls Of Rebellion, Suicide Conspiracy, Part Death. Ages 21+, $5 Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Kirchner Entertainment Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton (609) 989-1600 Sat. 9 p.m. "Benefit 2" feat. Meeko Brando, Cheeky, Bodega Satellite, Shagbark, Caruso. Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase Mojito Cuba Caribe 90 South Main Street New Hope, PA (267) 740-2900 Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Chris New Hope Winery 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA (215) 794-2331 Fri. 8 p.m. The English Beat. Doors at 7 p.m., $50Nook's PourHouse 2043 Route 130 South Florence (609) 447-0927 Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics Nottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square (609) 587-6623 Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave Fri. 8 p.m. Cover Up Sat. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow Ages 21+ Old Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown (609) 291-9232 Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA) Palermo's Of Hamilton 310 Klockner Road Hamilton (609) 838-7979 Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke All shows 21 + Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville (609) 737-2780 Fri. 8 p.m. The Receptors Sat. 8 p.m. Spanky Garage Parx Casino (360 Bar) 2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA (888) 588-7299 Thurs. 9 p.m. "Latin Night" w/ DJ George Dennis Fri. (5 p.m.) Plush (9:30 p.m.) Split Decision (10 p.m.) DJ Capps Sat. (4 p.m) Sensational Soul Cruisers (9:30 p.m.) Bigg Romeo (10 p.m.) DJ Eddie Tully Sun. 4 p.m. 40 North Country Wed. 8 p.m. Uncle Floyd Pete's Steak House 523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton (609) 585-8008 Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Suspects Sat. 9:30 p.m. (TBA) Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Randy Now's Man Cave 134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown (609) 424-3766 Sat. 8 p.m. A Pixies Tribute w/ Gigantic. $10Rossi's Bar & Grill 2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton (609) 890-2004 Thurs. 7 p.m. Ernie White Salt Creek Grille 1 Rockingham Row Princeton (609) 419-4200 Fri. 8 p.m. Party Of 3 Sun. 8 p.m. Brad Mandingo Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-4377 x2 Sat. 8:30 p.m. Tom Trovas1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing (609) 392-6409 Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. (Free Admission) Sat. (2 p.m.) "Trumpet Summit" feat. Danny Tobias & George Rabbai. $20 (8 p.m.) "Solo & Chamber Music" w/ (TBA) Sun. 3 p.m. Capital Opera Trenton/Princeton: "Wesendonck Lieder Abend" Feat. Kyle Walker, Katherine Dennis, Steve Kramer, Sarai Cole. $20 Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown (609) 286-2300 Fri. 10 p.m. Billy Hector Sat. 10 p.m. Thunder Moon Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown (609) 426-9345 Fri. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong Sat. 9 p.m. Kick Back Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA (215) 944-8050 Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger Fri. 7 p.m. Anders Hyatt Sat. 7 p.m. Dan Decker Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly Wed. 7 p.m. Jazz w/ John Sheridan The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro (609) 291-9110 Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke Sat. 9 p.m. Radio FictionThe Cranbury Inn 21 South Main Street Cranbury (609) 655-5595 Fri. 7:30 p.m. REJS Entertainment Presents: Nelson Rangell. Doors at 7 p.m., $40 The HOB Tavern 146 Second Street Bordentown (609) 291-7020 Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment Tues 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA) The Ivy Inn 248 Nassau Street Princeton (609) 921-8555 Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron Fri. 10 p.m. The Polish Nannies Sat. 10 p.m. River Dogs Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron The Pines Tavern 6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA (215) 788-1659 Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr. The Raven 385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA (215) 862-2081 Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) All Male Revue Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party The Record Collector 358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown (609) 324-0880 Sat. 8 p.m. Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $20 (Advance) The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge (609) 208-0050 Fri. 9 p.m. 80's Band The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton (609) 439-0007 Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio Fri. 9 p.m. No Way Out Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke The Cure Insurance Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton (609) 656-3200 Check website for upcoming events The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA (215) 908-6326 Thurs. 8 p.m. Nick and Maryanne Fri. 8 p.m. Catch 22 Sat. 8 p.m. Monique and Bob RotondoTir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton (609) 392-2554 Fri. 9 p.m. Paul Wiese Sat. 9 p.m. Williamsboy Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Mike DQ & Steve Z All shows 21+ Trenton Buzz 702 Pine Street Trenton (609) 392-6000 Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic. Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays" w/ Bockman Trenton Social 449 South Broad Street Trenton (609) 989-7777 Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location) 400 Union Square New Hope, Pa. (215) 862-8300 Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Fri. 10 p.m. (TBA) $5 (cover charge) Sat. 10 p.m. Pepperwine. $5 (cover charge) Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night. (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.) All shows 21+ Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location) 138 Nassau Street Princeton (609) 924-7855 Fri. 10 p.m. Rich Scanella GroupWildflowers Inn 2572 Pennington Road Pennington (609) 773-2392 Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia Tues. 9 p.m. Ed WilsonWorking Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown (609) 371-6000 Sat. 1 p.m. Ginger Coyle Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
