GONZALO SILVA: Subterranean Songs

Gonzalo Silva

Subterranean Songs

© 2001 Gonzalo Silva (634479120909)

CD permanently out of stock. Sorry!

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

Original pop songs that captures the essence of jazz (featuring solo bass guitar with vocals). Unprecedented and Unpretentious. Out-of-print in the subways of NYC and Boston. Available digitally starting Nov. 2005.

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notes

"Subterranean Songs" is the spectacular sophomore effort from a guy who has performed in practically every room, street corner, and subway platform in Boston. He also maintained a successful and enduring residency at the Middle East rock club in Cambridge, MA. Though Boston was good to Gonzalo Silva, the Chilean-born musician has up and moved to New York City, and he has recorded a new album.

Like on his out-of-print debut album, "Impatience," Silva slips in and out of flourishing arpeggios and simple riffs where he manages some intricate comping with himself. He also continues to succeed in staying away from anything predictable in the songwriting department. Unlike the first album, however, Silva has shed the drums and guitar in favor of the stark moodiness left by solo bass guitar with vocals. It's low-key and original, with dashes of Elvis Costello, Elliott Smith, Morphine, Nick Drake, and The Police. Maybe a little Ani DiFranco thrown in for good measure.

Silva pushes the bass to its limits, producing uncommon melodies and rhythms as a result. The sound is unique, as it captures the essence of jazz within a pop framework. He favors lilting, circular melodic lines, and has an excellent grasp of dynamics and harmonic counterpoint, something he likely perfected during his years at Boston's Berklee College of Music. His tenor voice is rich and velvety, and his bass playing really shines.

Standout songs include "Laid" and "Despiertate" which display his unique and virtuosic approach to writing for bass while also revealing his pop sensibility. Hooks galore and coherent lyrics combine to create some truly original moments throughout the course of the album.

reviews

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  • Beautiful and Unique !!!
    author: Carlos C Shilinsky

    I just love Gonzalo's music, it's so honest and pure, it seems that the time stops when he's making music. This is the kind of songs that make you feel something, make you think and grow inside you for all your life. Thanks Gonzalo for this great music you're making, i wish you all the great things in the world to you and your loved ones.

  • travellar discovers
    author: Patty Lee

    A gift from your concert at Redline station, THANK YOU for sharing great talent! I am not looking anymore for great music on the radio, they don't find the talents such as you.

  • Excellent. It's hard to believe this is an early album.
    author: Lance

    Met him on the NY subway in 2002/3, playing these songs. After 3 years in NYC, this album contains my most memorable and cherished moments. Thanks Gonzalo. I'll never forget you.

  • Excellent. It's hard to believe this is an early album.
    author: Lance

    Met him on the NY subway in 2002/3, playing these songs. After 3 years in NYC, this album contains my most memorable and cherished moments. Thanks Gonzalo. I'll never forget you.

  • The revolutionary artist
    author: Vitor Freire

    Gonzalo Silva, the revolutionary artist, with his subterranean songs shows us some subterranean feelings. The music "So far behind" is real poetry. I discovered Gonzalo in a interview in a brazilian internet tv channel.

  • As good as ever!
    author: Lauren

    I haven't heard Gonzalo's music since a few years ago when I lived in Boston, but it's just as good as I remembered. When I heard 'Despiertate' again, I immediately got chills. Wow! Hearing him live is ideal, but this CD manages to capture a lot of the amazing qualities of his live performances.

  • nice guy, too!
    author: Brent

    1st heard gs in boston @ hines convention center stop ('96) and adored his rendition of "o my god." self-titled album = very good ... /sub. songs/ = better, more mature. plus, he _gave_ it to me as a wedding gift. such beautifully mellow and intelligent music.

  • Haunting, Amazing
    author: Jen

    Just like reviewer Peter, I heard GS in the subway and found myself really struck by his music - it was some of the nicest stuff I've ever heard anywhere. Simultaneously melancholy and hopeful? Went to see him play a few times, now just found his website and the link to buy this CD...listen to the downloads, see what you think!

  • a voice that captures ur heart
    author: Jean Madani

    brilliant songwritting ,beautifull melodies ,a voice that completes ........a true musician with a lot of creativity ,i wish the best for GONZALO SILVA

  • Great, mellow stuff!
    author: Peter

    I first saw Gonzalo in a New York subway station and knew him as "that solo bass guy" for months. I would think to myself, "damn this guy is pretty damn good!" Occasionally, I would let the subway go by and stick around and listen. I finally went up to him one time and talked to him, got his name, found out he was putting out a CD. Then I didn't see him for about 3-4 months and wondered if he had just disappeared...until I saw him again on my birthday, CD's in hand! I immediately bought one and listened to it later that night. That CD is this CD...and I can tell ya it was definitely worth the wait. Real nice, mellow stuff. Since he recorded it, he started playing with a drummer again, so look forward to some upbeat stuff in the near future. But on this CD it's just him. So what are you waiting for??

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