The Gasoline Gypsies
Port Huron, Michigan, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2009 | SELF
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"When I'm asked questions like, 'Who's the next big thing?...'
My answer is usually influenced by how driven I see an artist-artist who are constantly working on whatever it is - touring, writing, recording, performing locally - driven, diligent artists, but then of course, they also gotta bring it - and both the Native Howl and The Gasoline Gypsies bring it - but, while these are both quote unquote, up and comers, they've both got styles that have cross generational appeal - whether it's the rock-heavy Americana of The Gasoline Gypsies, who just won two Detroit Music Awards, or the electrifying thrash grass hybrid of bluegrass and thrash-metal forged by The Native Howl..." -Jeff Milo -
The Gasoline Gypsies set fire to the stage at Top Of The Park during Ann Arbor Summer Fest with the universal power of blues fueled rock music
When I saw the lineup for the Ann Arbor Summer festival included the Gasoline Gypsies playing during Top Of The Park, I quickly made a note to get my butt down there to see them. The evening was picture perfect for simmering rock music infused with high octane blues. In case you are curious, the band is Caleb Malooley (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Neal Love (guitar, vocals), Steve Briere (vocals, bass), and Joe Makowski (drums). As soon as they started to play, I knew we were in for a good time.
Given this was my first time seeing the Gasoline Gypsies, I was caught up in the moment and didn’t catch the setlist. However, I can share some thoughts on the tunes that struck a chord with me. The swampy swagger of “Freaks and Non-Believers” had me singing hallelujah. The rhythm popped and the sassy guitars gave that song some heat. There was “Walking Trouble” featuring some amazing vocal harmonies. Caleb (lead vocals) has a pleasing gravel and grit which is nicely contrasted by the higher vocals of Neal and Steve. The combination had me thinking of the Eagles with a bit more bite.
“Norma Jeane” and “Come Down to the River” showcase the Gasoline Gypsies firing on all cylinders. Bluesy with a bit of R&B swing, these songs are just the ticket for rocking out with friends. Steve and Joe were in their element playing rhythms bursting with soul. Their playing mirrored the zeal this band has for creating music to move their audience both physically and spiritually.
Being a fan of rocking blues guitar, I dug the expressive playing of Caleb and Neal. Each of them rifled off saucy licks that made each tune pop. The southern rock inspired guitar harmonies added to the Allman brothers meets the Black Crowes vibe.
After the Gasoline Gypsies set, I made a b-line for their merchandise table to pick up a copy of their cd ‘Killin Time’. The disc is almost as good as seeing them live, but go see them in person for the full effect. They have a campaign currently on Pledge Music for their next album. You can get some sweet deals including a fishing trip of all things. If you enjoy rock music firmly rooted in the blues with sweet guitar and grooves to move you, then keep the Gasoline Gypsies on your radar. - Life in Michigan
Blues singer Thornetta Davis, nationally-known rock band Greta Van Fleet, songwriter Jill Jack and Americana band Gasoline Gypsies were among the Detroit area artists who won honors at the 27th annual Detroit Music Awards held at the Fillmore Detroit Friday evening.
It was previously announced that special awards would be given to award-winning songwriter Allee Willis, soul singer Melvin Davis and ’90s rock hitmakers Sponge. The latter two were also slated to perform at the event, along with rapper Kash Doll, Americana band Frontier Ruckus and more.
Singer and past winner Thornetta Davis won a total of six awards in the blues and urban music categories, including Outstanding Blues Vocalist. Her video for “I Believe (Everything Gonna Be Alright)” also won Outstanding Video, Limited Budget. Davis won eight Detroit Music Awards in 2017.
Another woman with many DMAs under her belt is Jill Jack, who was named Outstanding Live Act and Outstanding Americana Songwriter Friday night. Gasoline Gypsies earned the Outstanding Americana Artist/Group and Outstanding Americana Recording trophies. - The Detroit News
"The Gasoline Gypsies can be arguably the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band currently in the Detroit rock ‘n’ roll underground. Being the co-opening act, the “band of gypsies” took the stage in what could be called a flashback into Detroit’s finest years of rock ‘n’ roll. They carried the banner of good ole’ time southern style rock, with a ferocious Detroit sound that can easily remind the listener of Detroit legends such as The Rockets, Alice Cooper, the Amboy Dukes, Ted Nugent or Mitch Ryder. Most songs played were from the newly released, Killin’ Time, and throwing in a new one called, “Freaks and Non-Believers.” It is quite evident that the crowd knows who they want serving their rock to them." -Dennis Hall, National Rock Review, Mike Leslie Band and the Lows, CD Release, Sat Dec 30, 2017, Loving Touch, Ferndale, MI - National Rock Review
-Another hallmark of the music I so love, is the ability to tell a story through excellent songwriting and passionate performance. While the Gasoline Gypsies broke out a couple of new tunes at this show (and they're excellent), I'll admit to almost fanboi love of the songs on their self-titled CD. From the banjo-fired train-tale in Abilene, to the driving funkiness of their "favorite bar ballad" Unwind, you'll find compelling story lines, catchy vocal hooks and a few clever turns-of-phase along the way. They're the kind of songs you find yourself singing at your desk all day. Feeling down or out of energy at the end of the day? Put this CD in your car, turn the volume up to "eleven" and hit play.
The magic of three-part harmony
The real genius in this band's performance is their vocal arrangements. While pretty much everyone gets in on the action singing lead, their killer three-part harmonies are as good as anything you'll hear at a bluegrass festival. Some of this is undoubtedly due to the fact that their voices naturally suit one another. However, I know for a fact, that harmonies so dead-on that they sound like a single voice and dripping with complex resonances and overtones does not happen by mistake, it takes dedication and hours and hours of practice. One thing that really stands out is this band's ability to sing powerfully, and sometimes loudly, without straining, shouting or allowing their voices to break up--walking that razor edge between intensity and control. Their songs are powerful, and intense, but always easy to understand. - John P. Bayerl, PhD
To say the Gasoline Gypsies are hitting their stride may be an understatement.
The Port Huron-bred rock, roots and Americana group that’s well established in Southeast Michigan won two Detroit Music Awards for their 2017 album, “Killin’ Time,” was named best original rock band in a Detroit TV station viewers’ poll and has built a devoted base of fans lovingly dubbed “vagabundos.” - John Sinkevics - Local Spins
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Rollicking, genre-transcending, Rock N Roll delivered by four guys who love their craft. With three part vocal harmonies, driving guitar and bass riffs, their songs are powerful and intense, yet simple and honest. The Gypsies released "Killin' Time" on July 1st 2017, not long after they were deemed one of the “Three Best Unsigned Bands in the USA” by JBL, and right before they became Grand Prize Winners of the 2017 Michigan State Fair Superstar contest. In early 2018, the band received two Detroit Music awards for Best Americana Act and Best Americana Recording for "Killin' Time". With their 2018 release, "Vagabundos", the band has toured nationally along with releasing videos for "Walking Trouble" and "Freaks & Nonbeleivers".
The first iteration of the Gasoline Gypsies was an acoustic, three piece Folk/Rock act, that honed the Gypsies penchant for crisp harmonies, and grown up lyrics. The departure of their percussion man, resulted in meeting drummer, Joe Makowski, an unabashed rock and roller whose style begged that the gypsies plug in and test their rock chops. Electrified, Caleb’s front man guitar skills blossomed. Their growth process eventually led to the addition of Neal Love. Neal’s ability to understand that he brings the missing piece to this team, makes The Gasoline Gypsies a group that reverently respects the art of the music, while unleashing all that we love about rock and roll.
Caleb and Neal play their guitars like they've been playing together for years , both adding elements of lead and rhythms that play off each other uniquely. Steve’s bass lines range from subtle to funky, and Joe on the kit drives the wagon with hard hitting drum licks.
The Gasoline Gypsies work hard. Their considerable effort to play rock and roll in the spirit that respects the art of songwriting results in a seemingly effortless stage performance that is thrilling, and fun.
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