Any disc that opens with a train song usually indicates something quite special is going to follow. Such is the case with ‘Haunted Hollowbody’ from Toronto local Gabe Lee. Featuring mind-blowing lyrics and equally fine guitar and vocal work from Mr. Lee, this CD is a fluid combination of Blues, Country, and Rock. 
 
The first track “Can’t Stop The Train” takes us on a journey, though in a windowless car, with a hint that Johnny Cash is the conductor. “Hey Mr. Driver” is a sexy second track opening with smooth saxophone from Ron Allen, guitar and wonderfully guttural vocals courtesy of Gabe Lee. This song is a plea to the driver to “drive a little faster” and is one of the highlights of this recording. “Sea of Love” is an example of the exceptional talents of the musicians contributing to ‘Haunted Hollowbody’.  Bucky Berger (drums) and Kit Johnson (bass), sweet harmonica sounds from Gabe, and gorgeous backing vocals make this cut very easy to enjoy. 
 
There is one track that truly stands out among the recordings here – “Pretty Baby”. Hauntingly beautiful lyrically, vocally, and musically, what makes this so outstanding is the familiarity of the theme. Additional guitar from James Anthony is featured on this gorgeous track, along with simple harmonica riffs at the perfect moment.  Katalin Kiss provides deep, melodic backing vocals that accent the loneliness in Mr. Lee’s voice. It is an incredible love song that is difficult to forget. 
 
Produced by Tight Lip Tunes in Toronto, all of the eleven songs on ‘Haunted Hollowbody’ are phenomenal. It is one of those CDs that might find a permanent home in the stereo. In my opinion there is nothing that could be done to improve this disc. It is that good. I am confident that Gabe Lee will prove himself a master of story telling in the same fashion as Cash, Waits and Cohen. I just hope it won’t be much longer until the next record. 
For information on where to order this disc, please contact Dan at da_bear@sympatico.ca. 
 
Sarah French 
Jukejointjezebel2001@yahoo.com


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