Vance Gilbert's finger style guitar playing is as storied as his lyrics; telling tales of where his sound began. It's certainly not cluttered, but it's a far cry from the old folksy down and up. And the man's voice — a gut wrenched, emotionally drenched tenor — serves as a salve to his acerbic rapid-fire wit. Just dig his song "My Bad." This Philly-based artist is hysterical, endearing, enchanting, and mesmerizing. You can listen for hours.
Vance Gilbert performs Saturday, November 9, 8 p.m. at Greece Baptist Church, 1230 Long Pond Rd., $20-$23, heartlandconcerts.org.