Gloryland, Kevin’s latest release, has received stellar reviews in the press. Here are a few samples:
“‘Glorlyand’ [is] an often harrowing tour of the back-roads South with scenes of burning churches, a serio-comic brawl after a ZZ Top concert in Shreveport, La., and — most memorably — the time the Klan showed up when his seventh-grade marching band performed about 90 miles from there in Colfax.”- Peter Applebome, New York Times, February 22, 2012
“Four stars… The sheer brilliance of the lyrics to Colfax/Step in Time alone justifies a top rating for the first album in seven years from this Southern-raised poet/rocker. Gordon sketches a not-so-simple portrait of a junior-high marching band on a bus trip, and every single image feels, tastes, smells and sounds absolutely true.”- Jerry Shriver, USA Today, February 14, 2012
“Dude’s a juke-joint professor emeritus.” (3 1/2 star review)- Wil Hermes, Rolling Stone, March 2, 2012
“Astonishing… He knows exactly how to build and sustain interest in a song… The guitar crackles with electricity, the voice manipulates supple rhythmic shifts to make the words fit the spaces they are given. Here we are reminded that Gordon went to graduate school as a poet. He’s learned a lot from other singers, but his poetry skills are stronger than most in the songwriting game.”- Steve Pick, Blurt Magazine, February 14, 2012
“Four stars… Vivid… [Gordon] tells these Southern-based tales so exquisitely that they resonate with his listeners. ‘Gloryland’ certainly stands as a glorious example of Americana songwriting.”- Mike Berick, American Songwriter, February 14, 2012
“Impressive… nuanced insights set alongside snarling slide guitar, rugged riffs, [and] gospel choruses.”- Mitch Myers, MAGNET, Issue 84
Gloryland PDF booklet now available for free download: Includes lyrics to all songs on the record, plus photos not included in the CD packaging. Get it here:
I-40 west, Wilson county, TN, 2/19/11
(Dec.5, 2011): The campaign is now closed–thanks so much to all who have participated in making this record happen! Nine months ago we began, not having any idea how it would go. The response, emotionally and financially, from you was (and still is) overwhelming. Thank you again, and I hope you find this recording worth the wait!
(Dec.1, 2011):We’re extending the sponsorship campaign through Sunday Dec. 4; that means you still have an opportunity to get in on some special one-of-a-kind or otherwise limited-edition stuff, all described in the original post below–many levels of participation, no need to fear. By sponsoring this album, you are directly funding the marketing and promotion effort already underway. In addition to the rewards listed below, you’ll also have access to an exclusive sponsor page here on the site, that gives you access to things like demo recordings of songs from the record, an instrumental mix of the title track, and other info. Sponsors will also be able to purchase additional copies of the Gloryland CD for a discounted price, for a limited time. Gloryland CDs will be shipped to sponsors over the next week or so; other goods will be shipped as they become available.
(Oct.28, 2011) An update! Thanks to all of you who’ve sponsored Gloryland. We’ve gotten email from others asking if the sponsorship campaign is still on. Indeed it is–we will probably keep it going into November. Official release date is now February 14! (sponsors will see yours before then). Below is the original blog post, from back in March, when the campaign launched–with details on the various levels, etc.
Dear friends,
Spring is here. It is time to move. I have spent most of the winter eyeballing my situation from every possible angle and from all sides here is what I see:
I have what I believe is a great record “in the can”–11 tracks, 55 minutes, finished, ready for your listening pleasure. It took two years; Joe McMahan produced and did his usual excellent job. Along with regular band members Paul Griffith, Ron Eoff, and Mr. McMahan, special guests include Sarah Siskind, Steve Poulton (the Altered Statesman), Dave Jacques, and two guys that some of you know from their work with Lambchop: Scott Martin on drums and Ryan Norris on keyboards and celestaphone. Regina and Ann McCrary of the McCrary Sisters(most recently known for their work with gospel phenom Mike Farris) sing on two tracks; the fabulous Kat Jones appears on the closing track, One I Love.
I want as many people as possible to hear it, and hear about it. But I need your help to make Gloryland a reality.
With the collapse of many labels, retail record store chains, and most conventional music business models, the industry has been turned upside down. But certain things remain true:
I can’t reach as many people working alone as I can with a professional team of hired hands: radio promotion and press are still crucial for exposure and the overall success of a project. With this in mind I am starting a sponsorship campaign to raise needed capital to pay for the manufacturing and promotion of Gloryland. Though campaigns like this are often framed in language that suggests charity or donation, you are not just throwing me money. As thanks for your sponsorship, you will receive access to advance tracks/special merchandise/events related to Gloryland. If I were on a label, the needed capital would be supplied by the record company. (Well, “advanced” by them). Instead, as is the case with many (gladly) independent artists, I am asking for your support to help get this long-anticipated album released, and the good word spread all over this big ball of mud we’re all traveling on.
There are many different levels of sponsorship available; the thank you gifts range from a free download of one track from the album, to your very own house concert. And lots of other tasty options in between. Everyone who takes part will have their name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website (unless you prefer to remain anonymous). Sponsorships will be processed by PayPal; you do not need a PayPal account to participate. (FYI, we are using their “donate” option in order to allow for variable amounts of contribution for each level. Sponsorships are also processed separately from merchandise sales.) Please take a look at the options below, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions at: kevingordonmusic@comcast.net
If you don’t like PayPal, you can also send funds via check/money order to: Kevin Gordon Music, P.O. Box 60493, Nashville TN 37206. You will be sent a confirmation of your received contribution via email, or via postcard to your return mailing address.
This campaign will run through the Spring; estimated release date for Gloryland is May/June of this year, though this is ultimately determined by the strategies and schedules of the team involved. As a sponsor, you’ll receive regular email updates regarding album release date, shipment of your items, etc.
Thank you!
Level 1 ($5 or more): one advance download of one track from the album, your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 2 ($10 or more): one advance download of the album with bonus track, your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 3 ($25 or more): one signed advance copy of the CD, one download of bonus track, your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 4 ($50 or more): one Gloryland t-shirt, one signed advance copy of the CD, one download of bonus track, your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 5 ($100 or more): All the items from Level 4, plus one special-edition CD of solo demos of most of the songs for Gloryland, which were recorded before and during the master sessions for the record. Each CD sleeve will be unique and handmade (with the help of a trusty iMac); your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 6 ($300 or more): Handwritten lyrics of one KG song of your choice, on acid-free paper, suitable for framing; plus all of the items from Level 5. Your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 7 ($500 or more): Invitation to dinner party** at my house (or another designated location) during the Americana Music Festival in Nashville (Oct.12-15), to celebrate the release of Gloryland, plus any or all of those items included in Level 6; your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 8 ($1000 or more): One custom-made, handcrafted songbook with lyrics and notes about songs from Gloryland; I’ll also record a 6-song solo set of my songs just for you; you pick the set list! You get the CD, in personalized, one-of-a-kind packaging. Also includes any or all of Levels 1-7. Your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 9 ($1500 or more): A solo house concert, just for you! Invite all of your friends . . . or don’t! (anywhere in continental U.S.: for other locations, please inquire); Guest List for Life; your name listed as an Executive Producer on a sponsor appreciation page on my website* (and in CD liner notes if donation is made before March 20, 2011); also includes any or all of levels 1-8.
Level 10 ($2500 or more): Band house concert (KG plus 2 or 3 others; within 500 mile radius of Nashville–others please inquire); Guest List for Life; your name listed as an Executive Producer and “Patron Saint” on a sponsor appreciation page on my website (and in CD liner notes if sponsorship is purchased before March 20, 2011)* ; also includes any or all of Levels 1-8.
Questions? Suggestions? Proposals? Need to customize a sponsorship package for your own particular needs? I’m all ears: kevingordonmusic@comcast.net
Please Note:
*= unless you prefer to remain anonymous; you must notify us in order to opt-out of having your name listed
“Advance” downloads and CDs will be available/shipped a minimum of 60 days prior to official release. You hear it before anyone else does!
If necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to modify the thank-you gifts listed above. You will be promptly notified of any changes, and any modifications will be of equal or greater value than the original item.
**=Transportation costs and travel arrangements are not included re: the release party.
House concerts will be scheduled at our discretion, within 12 months after official release of Gloryland, in accordance with tour schedule.
"We'll empty your spit-valve for life if you find us anything more stunning than 'Colfax,' [Kevin Gordon's] undeniably superb song that could only have come from one mind, and from one person's experience. It's ostensibly about a kid in the marching band but winds up being about the heart of American darkness and the steel that it takes to move beyond."
Gloryland
Gloryland, Kevin’s latest release, has received stellar reviews in the press. Here are a few samples:
“‘Glorlyand’ [is] an often harrowing tour of the back-roads South with scenes of burning churches, a serio-comic brawl after a ZZ Top concert in Shreveport, La., and — most memorably — the time the Klan showed up when his seventh-grade marching band performed about 90 miles from there in Colfax.”- Peter Applebome, New York Times, February 22, 2012
“Four stars… The sheer brilliance of the lyrics to Colfax/Step in Time alone justifies a top rating for the first album in seven years from this Southern-raised poet/rocker. Gordon sketches a not-so-simple portrait of a junior-high marching band on a bus trip, and every single image feels, tastes, smells and sounds absolutely true.”- Jerry Shriver, USA Today, February 14, 2012
“Dude’s a juke-joint professor emeritus.” (3 1/2 star review)- Wil Hermes, Rolling Stone, March 2, 2012
“Astonishing… He knows exactly how to build and sustain interest in a song… The guitar crackles with electricity, the voice manipulates supple rhythmic shifts to make the words fit the spaces they are given. Here we are reminded that Gordon went to graduate school as a poet. He’s learned a lot from other singers, but his poetry skills are stronger than most in the songwriting game.”- Steve Pick, Blurt Magazine, February 14, 2012
“Four stars… Vivid… [Gordon] tells these Southern-based tales so exquisitely that they resonate with his listeners. ‘Gloryland’ certainly stands as a glorious example of Americana songwriting.”- Mike Berick, American Songwriter, February 14, 2012
“Impressive… nuanced insights set alongside snarling slide guitar, rugged riffs, [and] gospel choruses.”- Mitch Myers, MAGNET, Issue 84
Gloryland PDF booklet now available for free download: Includes lyrics to all songs on the record, plus photos not included in the CD packaging. Get it here:
I-40 west, Wilson county, TN, 2/19/11
(Dec.5, 2011): The campaign is now closed–thanks so much to all who have participated in making this record happen! Nine months ago we began, not having any idea how it would go. The response, emotionally and financially, from you was (and still is) overwhelming. Thank you again, and I hope you find this recording worth the wait!
(Dec.1, 2011):We’re extending the sponsorship campaign through Sunday Dec. 4; that means you still have an opportunity to get in on some special one-of-a-kind or otherwise limited-edition stuff, all described in the original post below–many levels of participation, no need to fear. By sponsoring this album, you are directly funding the marketing and promotion effort already underway. In addition to the rewards listed below, you’ll also have access to an exclusive sponsor page here on the site, that gives you access to things like demo recordings of songs from the record, an instrumental mix of the title track, and other info. Sponsors will also be able to purchase additional copies of the Gloryland CD for a discounted price, for a limited time. Gloryland CDs will be shipped to sponsors over the next week or so; other goods will be shipped as they become available.
(Oct.28, 2011) An update! Thanks to all of you who’ve sponsored Gloryland. We’ve gotten email from others asking if the sponsorship campaign is still on. Indeed it is–we will probably keep it going into November. Official release date is now February 14! (sponsors will see yours before then). Below is the original blog post, from back in March, when the campaign launched–with details on the various levels, etc.
Dear friends,
Spring is here. It is time to move. I have spent most of the winter eyeballing my situation from every possible angle and from all sides here is what I see:
I have what I believe is a great record “in the can”–11 tracks, 55 minutes, finished, ready for your listening pleasure. It took two years; Joe McMahan produced and did his usual excellent job. Along with regular band members Paul Griffith, Ron Eoff, and Mr. McMahan, special guests include Sarah Siskind, Steve Poulton (the Altered Statesman), Dave Jacques, and two guys that some of you know from their work with Lambchop: Scott Martin on drums and Ryan Norris on keyboards and celestaphone. Regina and Ann McCrary of the McCrary Sisters(most recently known for their work with gospel phenom Mike Farris) sing on two tracks; the fabulous Kat Jones appears on the closing track, One I Love.
I want as many people as possible to hear it, and hear about it. But I need your help to make Gloryland a reality.
With the collapse of many labels, retail record store chains, and most conventional music business models, the industry has been turned upside down. But certain things remain true:
I can’t reach as many people working alone as I can with a professional team of hired hands: radio promotion and press are still crucial for exposure and the overall success of a project. With this in mind I am starting a sponsorship campaign to raise needed capital to pay for the manufacturing and promotion of Gloryland. Though campaigns like this are often framed in language that suggests charity or donation, you are not just throwing me money. As thanks for your sponsorship, you will receive access to advance tracks/special merchandise/events related to Gloryland. If I were on a label, the needed capital would be supplied by the record company. (Well, “advanced” by them). Instead, as is the case with many (gladly) independent artists, I am asking for your support to help get this long-anticipated album released, and the good word spread all over this big ball of mud we’re all traveling on.
There are many different levels of sponsorship available; the thank you gifts range from a free download of one track from the album, to your very own house concert. And lots of other tasty options in between. Everyone who takes part will have their name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website (unless you prefer to remain anonymous). Sponsorships will be processed by PayPal; you do not need a PayPal account to participate. (FYI, we are using their “donate” option in order to allow for variable amounts of contribution for each level. Sponsorships are also processed separately from merchandise sales.) Please take a look at the options below, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions at: kevingordonmusic@comcast.net
If you don’t like PayPal, you can also send funds via check/money order to: Kevin Gordon Music, P.O. Box 60493, Nashville TN 37206. You will be sent a confirmation of your received contribution via email, or via postcard to your return mailing address.
This campaign will run through the Spring; estimated release date for Gloryland is May/June of this year, though this is ultimately determined by the strategies and schedules of the team involved. As a sponsor, you’ll receive regular email updates regarding album release date, shipment of your items, etc.
Thank you!
Level 1 ($5 or more): one advance download of one track from the album, your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 2 ($10 or more): one advance download of the album with bonus track, your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 3 ($25 or more): one signed advance copy of the CD, one download of bonus track, your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 4 ($50 or more): one Gloryland t-shirt, one signed advance copy of the CD, one download of bonus track, your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 5 ($100 or more): All the items from Level 4, plus one special-edition CD of solo demos of most of the songs for Gloryland, which were recorded before and during the master sessions for the record. Each CD sleeve will be unique and handmade (with the help of a trusty iMac); your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 6 ($300 or more): Handwritten lyrics of one KG song of your choice, on acid-free paper, suitable for framing; plus all of the items from Level 5. Your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 7 ($500 or more): Invitation to dinner party** at my house (or another designated location) during the Americana Music Festival in Nashville (Oct.12-15), to celebrate the release of Gloryland, plus any or all of those items included in Level 6; your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 8 ($1000 or more): One custom-made, handcrafted songbook with lyrics and notes about songs from Gloryland; I’ll also record a 6-song solo set of my songs just for you; you pick the set list! You get the CD, in personalized, one-of-a-kind packaging. Also includes any or all of Levels 1-7. Your name listed on a sponsor appreciation page on my website*
Level 9 ($1500 or more): A solo house concert, just for you! Invite all of your friends . . . or don’t! (anywhere in continental U.S.: for other locations, please inquire); Guest List for Life; your name listed as an Executive Producer on a sponsor appreciation page on my website* (and in CD liner notes if donation is made before March 20, 2011); also includes any or all of levels 1-8.
Level 10 ($2500 or more): Band house concert (KG plus 2 or 3 others; within 500 mile radius of Nashville–others please inquire); Guest List for Life; your name listed as an Executive Producer and “Patron Saint” on a sponsor appreciation page on my website (and in CD liner notes if sponsorship is purchased before March 20, 2011)* ; also includes any or all of Levels 1-8.
Questions? Suggestions? Proposals? Need to customize a sponsorship package for your own particular needs? I’m all ears: kevingordonmusic@comcast.net
Please Note:
*= unless you prefer to remain anonymous; you must notify us in order to opt-out of having your name listed
“Advance” downloads and CDs will be available/shipped a minimum of 60 days prior to official release. You hear it before anyone else does!
If necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to modify the thank-you gifts listed above. You will be promptly notified of any changes, and any modifications will be of equal or greater value than the original item.
**=Transportation costs and travel arrangements are not included re: the release party.
House concerts will be scheduled at our discretion, within 12 months after official release of Gloryland, in accordance with tour schedule.