Vance Gilbert

Vance Gilbert (born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States) is an American folk singer-songwriter. He started as a jazz singer, switched to folk music, became a regular on the open mike circuit in Boston and toured with Shawn Colvin. He has recorded thirteen albums, including Side of the Road, three of them on Philo/Rounder Records.

Vance (right) with musician Ellis Paul in Houston, Texas

Raised in Willingboro Township, New Jersey, Gilbert graduated from Connecticut College.[1]

Gilbert is known for his improvisational rapport with audiences during his shows. He speaks, as he sings, with sincerity and depth. He has a wide range, covering Joni Mitchel one moment and doing what sounds like a jazz classic (but is actually his own) the next. Many songs, such as "Old White Men", "Charlene", and (perhaps his personal favorite) "Unfamiliar Moon" tell profound stories and touch on important topics. Many of his other tunes, such as "Goodbye Pluto" and "Waiting For Gilligan" take familiar stories from contemporary headlines and from popular culture and approach them in a whimsical and beautiful way.