If Leonard Cohen and Peter Sarstedt met in the cosmos and created an off shoot it could be Gabriel Moreno. From the get-go, his resonant baritone will prick up your ears. It’s delicious – follow him.
New to my ears, it seems Gabriel Moreno has been around for a while. The poetically titled ‘Nights in the Belly of Bohemia’ is his sixth studio album – and he is also a revered poet and songwriter in his native Gibraltar – with no less than 12 books of poetry. He was – deservedly – awarded the title of Cultural Ambassador of Gibraltar.
When reviewing for F&T all sorts of interesting things come your way – and it’s always a joy to discover new artists and music – but Gabriel Moreno is a titan among them – and ‘Nights in the Belly of Bohemia’ hit me in ways I hadn’t imagined, and stayed imprinted on the grey matter long after listening.
The entire album is an ode to the Bohemian experience – encapsulating the inner resistance to the harsh realities of modern life, and this crazy world we tread.
This is poetry in song there’s no doubt about that. The violins, twelve string guitars, bass and percussion assist beautifully. Moreno’s resonant baritone and lyrics bring a somewhat surreal and irresistible quality.
‘Nights in the Belly of Bohemia’ is at times passionate, mellow, reflective, transcendent, joyful and sad. It will take you on a sail through all these highs and lows. It is at also definitively theatrical, ranging crossing the boundaries of folk, Latin and cabaret.
Moreno is now based in London and has produced the album himself, with help from Dave Burns and Richard Moore. He has toured the globe and has a string of April dates to launch the album across England – sadly none in Ireland – but maybe that’ll come some day and if so, not to be missed, as he is known to be an enigmatic performer. Born and raised in Gibraltar it’s apparent that his exposure to many different cultures and influences has seeped deep into his soul and rises up through his music and lyrics.
I’m confused why Gabriel Moreno is not much more widely known – or maybe I’ve just missed out. Those Nights in the Belly of Bohemia have clearly paid off, if this is the outcome – an album to be highly recommended – and that voice – well, wow! Just wow!