DALLAS -– It is not often we hear the term ‘quiet rock star.’ Thinking through my favorite artists, particularly my favorite on-stage performers, there aren't many who fall into that category. Self-righteous or not, there is a certain persona which has become synonymous with that of the bona fide rock star, and there is typically nothing under-stated about it. My list includes Mick Jagger, Ryan Adams, Janis Joplin, Rufus Wainwright and Bono. Not exactly the quiet types. At least, not on-stage.Well, my latest addition to that list is Jose Gonzalez. To many, when asked to match the name with its significance, they may come up empty…which is fine. In fact, after meeting him, I imagine this reserved yet brilliant artist prefers it that way.
There is something undeniably refreshing about someone who has worked tirelessly towards perfecting his work, to the point that he approaches the invention of a style all his own, yet does not outwardly seek any sort of recognition for it. This is the disposition of a musician entirely devoted to music, the love of that made by others as well as the fascination with his own creation. Artists such as these probably evoke more questions than they answer, given their introverted ways. And, Jose Gonzalez, equal parts Swedish and Argentine, falls perfectly into that description.
Similar to Ray LaMontagne, another singer-songwriter who lets his lyrics do the talking, Jose Gonzalez has already mastered the delicate balance of maintaining almost complete personal secrecy while revealing just enough to whet the listeners’ collective appetite. Tangible evidence of this keen ability is found as Jose so beautifully will play his own “Heartbeats” or Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart," invisibly luring his audience with a beckoning finger (as listeners melt while recalling their own romantic peaks and valleys), only for the song to end and for Jose to depart the stage without more than a shy “thanks.” The common two-word knee-jerk reaction is “that’s it?” But, that thought lasts less than a second. And then your heart caves all over again.
This may be taking it a step too far, but a night listening to Jose Gonzalez, is probably better than most first dates. However, without taking the risk of going on that first date, you’ll never truly understand what Jose is trying to say…especially if he only says it quietly.
[this column was inspired by Jose Gonzalez's Sept 30 performance at Dallas' Gypsy Tea Room; it is also the exact opposite of my column below about The Killers]
