Gabriel Cox - I Surrender (2016)

Gabriel Cox is a gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist who delivers a dose of blues-based rock that touches on soul, funk and pop, too, as this CD clearly demonstrates. Based out of Portland, Ore., and a two-time nominee for the Cascade Music Association’s Muddy Award, Cox has his sights on a bigger target this time. I Surrender was selected to represent the Cascade Blues Association of Portland as part of the Blues Foundation’s “Best Self-Produced CD of 2016 competition” at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN.

A collection of 12 originals and one cover, the CD was two years in the making and a follow-up to his 2014 eponymous debut release. It includes contributions from several prominent musicians from the Pacific Northwest, where Cox tours and often headlines at festivals.

Holding down the rhythm section are Jarred Venti on bass and Derek Jones on drums. They’re joined by Nathan Olsen on keys, Hank Shreve on harmonica and Brandon Logan on guitar with Jason Carter providing additional percussion. Rounding out the sound are vocalists Miranda Vettrus, who doubles on lead for one cut, Rae Gordon, John Pulvers and Mark Cox. ~Marty Gunther