Gabriel James’ sophomore album is jazzy pop-rock at its very finest. He juggles between melodies like a circus clown, ridiculously throwing great catchy hooks at you like he’s got a billion more where that one came from. His songwriting abilities to be sure are brilliant but it’s his voice that’s going to attract most singer/songwriters to attempt to copy his style. Beautiful. Get this now.
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Gabriel plays guitar, sings, writes and produces. Four other talented musicians add textures and tones to this twelve-track collection in support of James. Gabriel's sound is a blend of alternative, funk, jazz, R&B and rock. Gabriel's arrangements are well constructed and his lyrics are articulate. The mood of the CD varies from funky to serious with each song offering something distinctive. 'Button Down' the opening track has a dreamy acoustic guitar and vocals combined with reflective, visual lyrics and subtle harmonizing vocals at the hook. 'In the Hands of Fools' features a snappy rhythm flowing over perceptive words punctuated by the trumpet. 'Swing' focuses on vocals, piano and a solemn stringed instrument reflecting on life with the hook sung in harmony. Gabriel James is clearly passionate about his art and his second full length release is full of promise!
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"Gabriel James has a very contagious vocal style with lyrics that have a bite to them. What he sings about actually means something. The music on In the Hands of Fools is James’ acoustic guitar, affecting vocals, accompanied by a thumping upright bass (Kellie Nitz), a smooth complimenting trumpet (Erik Naslund), and perfectly placed piano parts (Ian Stahl), not to mention the tasteful percussion (Jeremy Johnson) to keep everyone on course traveling down the same tracks. With all of these intrinsic elements hitting on all cylinders like a locomotive steam engine, the 12 tracks presented on this consistent project keep your own engines humming right along.

James does not waste any time getting to the heart of the matter in each song while setting his words to inviting acoustic guitar and a band behind him that displays their talents fully in each composition. I like to call music like this across-the-board accessible because of its intelligent lyrical content and outstanding musicianship. With those all-important factors in place, you cannot loose your listeners; you simply gain them by word of mouth advertising on how good the album is. Certainly, James will enjoy this kind of reception with his album. The combination of rock, folk, pop, and jazz, makes for an enjoyable listen that you will find yourself reaching for again after the first listen.

I do not think his music is In the Hands of Fools, people that are seeking independent releases with depth and meaning set to quality music will continually turn to artists like Gabriel James. How can the guy loose with name like Gabriel? He is heaven sent so, let’s enjoy his presence on the music scene by checking out his new CD."
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