Gabe Dixon Band gets rolling with latest

Ever wonder what it takes to "make it" in the music biz? "American Idol" would like us to believe it takes someone with a God-given set of pipes but no formal musical training. Add to that a lot of makeup, a questionable voting system and voila! There is your star of tomorrow. Somehow, I remain unconvinced. I'm still thinking you need amazing talent, the right connections and, most importantly, luck.\nThe Gabe Dixon Band has got the ball rolling as far as their career goes, releasing On A Rolling Ball, an album that aesthetically combines jazz and rock with a touch of pop. The band features songwriter Gabe Dixon on lead vocals and keyboards, Winston Harrison on bass, Jano Rix on drums and Chandler Webber on the sax. These University of Miami Music School buddies refuse to let their talents go to waste.\n"More Than It Would Seem" utilizes Dixon's vocal talents, as he croons with emotion-filled wonderment. While his sound is reminiscent of Ed Robertson, lead singer for Barenaked Ladies, Dixon incorporates more of a jazz style.\nDixon's skills as a keyboardist can be heard throughout the CD, notably on "Everything's OK," and "Love Story." You can also hear Dixon on keyboard throughout Paul McCartney's latest disc, Driving Rain.\nThe best thing about this album is the lack of ego. While the band takes the name of the lead singer, the lead singer is not what this album is about. The album allows each band member to have his spotlight. In "Expiration Date," Harrison delivers on bass, while "Just A Dream" lets Webber connect the verses with the smooth sounds of the sax. Rix on the drums provides the backbone for the majority of the tracks, and all the members lend their vocals.\nThe Beatles-inspired sounds of The Gabe Dixon Band are sure to bowl you over in a way that "Making The Band" never could.