[Kalvin Kleenex]

I’ve recently discovered this singer/songwriter. Despite of his name, he’s Swedish and sings in English. To those who like folk (well, some sort of alternative folk), I strongly recommend. You’ll find a soft voice accompanied with a powerful acoustic guitar. He reminds me those 70’s singers/songwriters, but with a contemporary style.

He likes to play covers, and probably the most amazing is the Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” cover. Listen first the original and then the Gonzalez’s cover, you’ll be surprised.

To listen this boy’s music is like to taste a glass of red wine… Enjoy It

[4ziggy]

I have to agree with you Kalvin,

I first was turned onto Jose Gonzales at the House of Blues in San Diego as Guest and Opener for Zero 7 in 2006. I remember everyone being amped and anxious when 15 minutes after the show expected start time, here comes this random guy fighting his way through the crowd to the stage. He gets up on the stage, does not say a word and opens with Lovestain.

He later stated that his wake-up call never happened and sorry that he was late; everyone appreciated his honesty. The crowd waited patiently through his set until he ended with crosses...and the crowd went wild. Putting 1+1 together, the crowd realized that the Zero 7 song must have come from his solo album. Zero 7 (with Jose ofcourse) then played their version of the song, so it was a great perspective to get the acoustic version and the synthesized version.

I since bought Veneer, but have not got his new album yet. My favorite song from Veneer is "heartbeats"...and apparently I am not alone in that choice.

Whenever I am in the mood for Jose, I usually add the album 'Sing-A-Long and Lullabies' by Jack Johnson (an equal talent but opposite mood) and put them on random for balance or chi.

Jose is amazing with his guitar, but I am very surprised to hear he is Swedish. His looks and influence sound more S. American...almost Brazil. That is also because I am a big fan of Bossa Nova and can recognize the suttle rythm from his guitar mocking the smooth jazz flow. Although the studio version veneer isn't as apparent as his live show. But when I listen to Veneer, it is like I was there all over again.

I prefer drinking a martini when listening to Zero 7 and Jose :-)

EDIT 1: When I state that beats come from Jose's guitar, I am referring to his using his guitar as a drum while at the same time strumming the guitar. It really is amazing to hear and watch.

[Kalvin Kleenex]

Originally Posted by 4ziggy

I first was turned onto Jose Gonzales at the House of Blues in San Diego as Guest and Opener for Zero 7 in 2006. I remember everyone being amped and anxious when 15 minutes after the show expected start time, here comes this random guy fighting his way through the crowd to the stage. He gets up on the stage, does not say a word and opens with Lovestain.

You're lucky! I've never seen/listened him playing live.

I also like Jack Johnson and I agree with you about his opposite mood. Jack Johnson's guitar sounds smoother and nearest to brazilian ryhthm than Jose Gonzalez.

That's because his parents are from Argentina (they moved to Sweeden in 1978) and one of Gonzalez's favorite artists is Silvio Rodriguez, a cuban singer (I obtained all this information from Wikipedia)

José González - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Finally I have to tell you that your post is excellent. A great review!

[4ziggy]

Aloha Kalvin,

I think Jack Johnson sounds a little tropical, but that is by default since he is from North Shore, Oahu (Hawaii). I see Jack Johnson all of the time. I usually take visiting friends or parents to see him to get his autograph since most people seem to like him.

I think my prior post was a little misleading regarding his (Jose's) solo work, it is not like his songs with Zero 7 on the Garden album; Futures and Today. Those songs have the bossa nova hints to them versus his solo albums which are as you mentioned rock/folk. Zero 7 is more jazz in origin

[solaris]

Hi guys.

MusicMP3 has just added the new Jack Johnson album to its catalogue: Jack Johnson, Sleep Through The Static mp3 music - MusicMp3.Ru

[Kalvin Kleenex]

Originally Posted by solaris

Hi guys.

MusicMP3 has just added the new Jack Johnson album to its catalogue: Jack Johnson, Sleep Through The Static mp3 music - MusicMp3.Ru

Hi solaris

Thanks for the info.