Concert Review: Gabriel Garzón-Montano Is DIY At National Sawdust

It is a rare event when people side-eye you for instagramming a moment. This DOES NOT HAPPEN OFTEN ON PLANET EARTH! Yet, at Gabriel Garzón-Montano’s National Sawdust show, the crowd felt protective of him. It was as if, for this event, they were coming to observe the genius behind the songs: more than the artist or entertainer.

There was a museum-like atmosphere to Gabriel’s show, which made his live constructions of songs seem like we were watching a sculptor or designer build his art installation. It was very quiet despite the dynamism of his music and crowd. For everyone, it was all about investment, and even guest stars, like Nick Hakim, floated unto the stage like passing hues on a cloud. The effortlessness of his complex designs enamored everyone, and, at times, gave the show a block -party vibe: with sporadic dances, cheers, clapping games, smiles, and comments of admiration being prepped to his praise. In some ways, the show reminded me the demagoguery we place behind artists. 

To that room, Gabriel was the most talented, smartest, and freshest force to strike music, and I could not deny that tracks, “Golden Wings,” “Fruit-flies,” or  even some improv/ unreleased felt deliciously foreign to what is on radio. It is a really special, particularly for a listener, when you discover something new or altering and wish for more of it. While everyone in the audience was clearly a long-time fan, Gabriel is offering newness and creativity with a commercial wrapping that makes you wish the radio would go more avant-garde. Yet, there are clear R&B and soul influence that can throwback even to Marvin Gaye.

While he may dress like a modern matador, Gabriel’s presence is bullish in how he tears into the red of love. His voice treats passion like a cloth that you drape, smooth, and crinkle amongst your fingertips until your touch builds a memory. All he has to do is “ooOOoOoo,” and a pillar emotions explodes entering your ears to strike your heart’s foundation. Such a capacity made the crowd giddy, and, once again, turned his concert into an art show. For More Information On Gabriel Garzón-Montano Click Here.