Gabriel Kahane - The Ambassador (2014)

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane brings his diverse and extraordinary musical vision to his new album "The Ambassador." From "Die Hard" to the architecture of Richard Neutra, from "Blade Runner" to the fiction of James M. Cain, from fires, riots and earthquakes to so many who look to Southern California as a panacea, "The Ambassador" draws its inspiration from a multitude of sources to tell intimate, human stories against the backdrop of Los Angeles architecture and popular culture. "The Ambassador" explores different narrative approaches for each song. On the title track, Kahane sings from the perspective of a doorman at the now-demolished Ambassador Hotel. In "Veda" he takes on the persona of James M. Cain's iconic protagonist, Mildred Pierce. For the centerpiece of the album, "Empire Liquor Mart," Kahane sings from the perspective of Latasha Harlins, a fifteen-year-old African-American girl shot to death one year before the L.A. Riots in 1992.

"The Ambassador" was co-produced by Kahane and long-time collaborators Casey Foubert (Sufjan Stevens) Matt Johnson (St. Vincent) and Rob Moose (Bon Iver), and features guest vocalists Shara Worden and Aoife O Donovan. Gabriel will tour the U.S throughout the summer.

As a songwriter, Los Angeles born Gabriel Kahane has released two albums, most recently the critically acclaimed "Where are the Arms" hailed by "The New York Times" for its extravagant poise and emotional intelligence. In 2012 he made his recital debut at Carnegie's Zankel Hall and saw the New York premiere of "February House" at the Public Theater, for which he wrote the score. As a composer of concert works, Kahane has been commissioned by Carnegie Hall, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Kronos Quartet and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Gabriel has performed or recorded with Sufjan Stevens, Rufus Wainwright, Chris Thile and Audra McDonald to name a few.

TRACKLIST
1. Black Garden (2673 Dundee Pl.)
2. Bradbury (304 Broadway)
3. Slumlord Crocodile (115 E. 3rd St.)
4. Veda (1 Pierce Dr.)
5. Empire Liquor Mart (9127 S. Figueroa St.)
6. Musso and Frank (6667 Hollywood Blvd)
7. Villains (4616 Dundee Dr.)
8. Ambassador Hotel (3400 Wilshire Blvd)
9. Griffith Park (2800 E. Observatory Ave.)
10. Union Station (800 N. Alameda St.)