Gilbert Hotel

Gilbert Hotel is a playful solo work on which Paul Gilbert, deliberately not foregrounding his outstanding guitar technique too much, deftly melts it into short, accessible songs. Rock, pop and an acoustic feel move lightly and freely, and his playing skill directly connects to the pure fun of the songs. A record in which sure playing dwells firmly even within unforced, relaxed expression. Its mature stance of naturally placing transcendent technique as part of the songs, rather than merely flaunting it, is striking. Humor and a deep love for rich melody enfold the whole work truly brightly and warmly. Content clearly showing his sure side as a pop songwriter. Its construction, freely moving between varied styles, is also enjoyable. A record letting you fully feel Paul Gilbert’s flexible, broad talent, not only as an outstanding guitarist but as an excellent songwriter. His own appeal of turning technique into the joy of listening, never showing it as stiff, is in full bloom. A light, accessible, fulfilling solo work you can enjoy unpretentiously — a record where his playfulness shines.