Gabe Hizer’s musical career has come full circle. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Hizer took a detour, earning a law degree and practicing law for 25 years. Then two years ago, he packed his cats, a trunk load of instruments, and some recording equipment and headed for Mexico. There he wrote and recorded, eventually heading for Nashville where he pulled in musicians and engaged Neilson Hubbard to produce a debut CD, Persistence of Memory.

Like a lot that is coming out of Nashville lately, the album is not country, not even uptown commercial country/pop. There is a definite Americana feel about the 12 songs on the disc, but it leans more toward rock and pop. Hizer, who plays acoustic and resonator guitar on the album, wrote all of the songs, except for “I Will Be There for You,” which he co-wrote with David Walker.

The instrumentation on the album is first rate, which is a complement to Hizer’s own skill and to some great musicians coming out of Nashville. Hizer has added expected layers of drums, electric guitar, piano and organ, bass, and even Kenny Hutson’s pedal steel and T.J. Klay’s harmonica on a tune or two. But it is the inclusion of strings that sets his work apart from standard Nashville fare. And it is not fiddles, but violin, viola, and cello. There is even a touch of vibes and glockenspiel. Not every song has these embellishments, but they are used on certain tracks to good effect.

Hizer’s vocals are strong for the most part, often with an echo of Jim Croce. However, there are some rough spots in delivery. There is a slight strain on the falsetto on “Time to Say Goodbye,” but it works with the emotional tone of the piece.  Unfortunately, the vocal work on “Falling Down” is an odd mix, including some rough falsetto that drops to a bass note in an odd place. That is really a shame since the song has something to say.

There are only two country-type tunes on the album. “I Will Be There for You” is a lovely sentimental tune that Clint Black would be lucky to record. “The Ballad of Joey and the Bottle of Booze,” though having a country feel, is more reminiscent of Loudon Wainwright than Kenny Chesney.

The latter part of the CD has some flat-out winners. The showpiece of this album is the gospel/roadhouse tune, “Searching Outside of My Soul.” T.J. Klay’s harmonica is more country blues than Chicago or Delta blues. But here everything works well, especially Hizer’s vocals that are straightforward and midrange.

Equally, “Let Me Fall on You,” a warm tune about a strong relationship, is near perfect. Hizer’s delivery is spot on, and Margaret Coleman offers tight background vocals that underline the relationship Hizer is writing about. The song echoes G. B. Leighton’s “Wings Working Overtime,” though I think Leighton’s is the stronger of the two—but then he’s been in this business for about as long as Hizer was a lawyer. That experience shows.

Then there’s “Some Things Never Change,” a truly polished gem. This tender song of an aging loved one is moving but not maudlin. It is a tune that could have come from a Broadway show, not one that was bigger than life or pretentious, but one with heart such as Big River. In fact, this song tends to generate the feel of Roger Miller’s “Worlds Apart” from that musical.

The writing is equally strong, capturing the loneliness of independence, hurtful partings, lost love, and old memories. Gabe Hizer’s Persistence of Memory is a strong debut for an artist who has something to say and can say it well. Time will smooth out the rough spots, making this artist certainly one to watch.

Review by Janie Franz

Janie Franz, Reviews Gabe Hizer, Persistence of Memory

Gabe Hizer is a storyteller through and through. With bluesy grit and soaring falsettos, Gabe’s album Persistence Of Memory spins soulful tales of life, love and everything in between. It’s an album from the heart and for the heart.

The Artist:

Long Island born Tennessee based Gabe Hizer is definitely a prodigy of 70’s rock. Think James Taylor with a hint of The Eagles. It’s smooth rock for the soul. It’s the kind of rock that stays with you. Gabe’s mind-blowing falsetto paints dreamscape of life in motion. It’s easy to get lost in his voice. Still, there’s a fair amount of grit to Gabe’s style–vocally and instrumentally. I imagine this is due to his experience with the Gabe Hizer Blues Band. The infusion of a blues influence adds a rich quality to Gabe’s music and powerful lyrics. He’s not just singing about life–he’s singing about a life lived. There’s a major difference between the two, but unfortunately few artists seem to get that. Gabe Hizer gets it.

The Album:

Memory – Memory is a brilliant introduction to Gabe’s style. It’s a haunting melody with equally haunting lyrics. Its smooth subtle rhythm resonates with an Eagles influence.

Forever – This is the first track off of Persistence Of Memory that’s Gabe’s falsetto really shines. His soaring vocals establish a romantic mood effortlessly.

Time To Say Goodbye – The opening and closing rain sound effects add some cinematic flair to this track but honestly I could of done without them. It’s nothing major–and really it’s more of a personal preference, but I think this song is strong enough to stand on it own without the added frill. The extra effect just kind of breaks the album’s organic flow. The track itself is fantastic though. Gabe’s bluesy grit begins to show in this track. It’s not prominent, but it’s definitely just beneath the surface.

The Ballad Of Joey and The Bottle Of Booze – I love this song. It’s a simple hook-laden song that is just toe-tapping fun. I could almost picture this track being on the soundtrack to O’ Brother, Where Art Thou. It’s southern folk mixed with blue grass and a hint of Bob Dylan.

Lesson – This is a solid track that really showcases Gabe’s vocal range. The man has pipes. Moreover the guitar instrumentals in this track are incredible. This track has probably my favorite melody off of Persistence Of Memory.

Under Western Skies – Lyrically, this is one of the best songs on this album. It about life in motion and how truly fleeting time is. Again, Gabe Hizer doesn’t sing about life. He sings about a life lived.

Falling Down – Gabe’s falsetto is truly amazing. This isn’t my favorite track, but it really shows what he is capable of.

Searchin’ Outside For My Soul – This is a straight up blues track, and Gabe pulls it off beautifully. Between the harmonica, rhythm guitar and Gabe’s soulful vocals it’s hard not to get drawn in.

I Will Be There For You – The guitar is impressive on this track, but overall it just doesn’t stand out like the rest.

Some Things Never Change – This is a song about the darker side of aging. While the lyrics are sad, they are heartfelt and twinkle with nostalgia. I can’t stress enough what an amazing songwriter Gabe is.

Let Me Fall On You – If Persistence Of Memory has a single, this is it. It has all of Gabe’s best elements. It’s the perfect blend of blues influence and folk ballad. Gabe’s falsetto is at its best, and adding in the organ is just plain awesome.

Paris Café – All I can say is that when Gabe Hizer tells a story, you’re there.

The Verdict:

Gabe Hizer is an amazing singer with an incredible vocal range. His powerful lyrics put him in the same league as some of the best songwriters. The bluesy folk vibes of Persistence Of Memory may not be for everyone, but if you’re a fan of James Taylor or The Eagles, then definitely check out this album!

Review by Zack Daggy

Reviews, Zack Daggy Gabe Hizer, Persistence of Memory

Gabe Hizer’s Persistence of Memory was a totally unexpected listen.  His music can best be described as a cross between 70s folk and adult contemporary, and there’s a little bit of country sprinkled into the mix. Think Gordon Lightfoot’s song-stylings with a voice like Gary Puckett.

All of that makes Persistence of Memory a very unique listen. Gabe’s songwriting is elegant and mature. I can’t see kids grabbing this up; this is music for people that have already traveled down life’s road a bit, especially songs like “Some Things Never Change” and “The Lesson”. These two are particularly poignant. “Some Things Never Change” deals with the changes that Alzheimer’s Disease takes on the life of a loved one. It’s hard not to feel the emotion when listening to this song. This is one of those songs that will leave you in tears by the time that the last note is played and sung. With “The Lesson”, Gabe paints an accurate picture of how we all react to the end of a relationship, from the self-imposed loneliness to the inability to see that there may be hope for good things in the future. I particularly love the lines “It’s the time when you’re out of on you own/Your heart turns to stone for awhile/You can’t see that there’s light up ahead/All you know is the darkness inside”. I can’t think of any better words than these to describe how I’ve felt after a break up.

Gabe seems to be in tune with the broken hearted. “Paris Café” is a reflection of a man that can’t get away from the memory of the lover that’s left him, no matter how far he travels.

One of my favorite songs on Persistence Of Memory is “The Ballad Of Joey And The Bottle”.  I think Gabe was channeling Gordon Lightfoot when he was writing this one.  The song is actually about the insanity defense, something that Gabe, a former lawyer knows more than a little bit about. The song is sung in that folk country style that Lightfoot perfected in the early 70s. “The Ballad Of Joey And The Bottle” would be right at home sung next to the likes of Alberta Bound and High and Dry.

This album was an absolute joy to listen to.  I loved the beauty of the songs, but more than that I loved Gabe’s voice and his incredible range. The man can hit the low notes and some pretty high ones, and he does it without making the listener cringe. In fact, listening to Persistence Of Memory is blissful. It’s an album I’d recommend to all my friends that love the music of the 70s, because Gabe has captured all the good things that were brought to music in that decade and he’s created a beautiful album that should be savored like a fine wine. It’s only February, but I count Gabe’s Persistence Of Memory one of my favorite albums of the year. I’m sure in December when I look back on all the music that’s come out, this album will still be in the top.

Review by Andrea Guy

Andrea Guy, Reviews Gabe Hizer, Persistence of Memory