Vance Gilbert

Vance Gilbert burst onto the early ’90s singer-songwriter scene when buzz started spreading in the folk clubs of Boston about an ex-multicultural arts teacher who was knocking ’em dead at open mics. When Shawn Colvin invited Gilbert as a musical guest on her Fat City tour, Gilbert took his “voice of an angel, wit of a devil, and guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) to a national audience. A string of critically acclaimed discs on Rounder/Philo culminated in the self-released 2000 masterpieceSomerville Live, which was lionized by the Boston Globe as the disc “young songwriters should study the way law students cram for bar exams.” Several literate, heartfelt, emotionally resonant discs would follow, all of which showcase Gilbert’s vocal and instrumental virtuosity. A year and a half on the road with comedian George Carlin made humor even more of a central ingredient in Gilbert’s live mix. Tulsa Roots Music is proud to host Vance Gilbert.