Reeves Gabrels, an American guitarist, songwriter, and record producer, was born on June 4, 1956. He has had a distinguished career, having worked with notable artists such as David Bowie and The Cure.
Gabrels' guitar playing is highly regarded, with his versatility and virtuosity allowing him to explore a wide range of sonic extremes. He is often praised for his ability to intuitively understand what each song needs most, making him one of the most daring rock-guitar improvisers since Jimi Hendrix.
As a songwriter and composer, Gabrels' work spans multiple genres, from hard-hitting blues rock to 21st-century electronica. His songs often feature a mix of familiar verse/chorus structures and more experimental, avant-garde elements.
Gabrels' album Rockonica, released in 2005, is a prime example of his genre-bending approach. The album features catchy, classic rock-inspired riffs and solos, but also incorporates eerie, broken sounds and oddball textures. For instance, the song "Underneath" ends with a trippy combination of guitar-generated helicopter sounds, acoustic Delta blues riffs, and Wheels of Fire-era Eric Clapton licks.
Throughout his career, Gabrels has lived in various cities, including New York, Boston, London, Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York's Hudson Valley. He has also been the lead guitarist of British band The Cure since 2012, and has been a member of the band Tin Machine.
Since 2007, Gabrels has led his Nashville-based band, Reeves Gabrels & His Imaginary Friends, which features Gabrels on guitar and vocals.
