“FRIDAY 10/23 APRYLLE GILBERT The Michelle Branch of Morgan Hill, Aprylle Gilbert is a fresh voice in the world of pop rock and folk. Her new disc, Diamond in the Rough, quietly screams for attention and is worth a listen, to say the least. She's also pulling some veteran talent from around Central California to help her translate it live. Chief among the contracted help is Ben Lomond's homey folk rocker Ben Laney and the multitalented Jim Lewin, best known as the guitarist for local country icon Lacy J. Dalton. Throw in a couple of surprise guests and you've got quite a coming-out party for this ambitious starlet. Cayuga Vault; $10 advance/$12 door; 8pm. (Curtis Cartier)” - Curtis Cartier

“Born in Massachusetts, singer/songwriter Aprylle Gilbert spent a complex childhood shuttling between New England and Montana. She spent her formative years experiencing life's lessons of love, happiness, and heartache with only inward reflection to guide her, a journey that serves as the inspiration for the deeply introspective music of her debut album Diamond In The Rough. Embracing the folksy pop of artists such as Suzanne Vega and Sheryl Crow, Aprylle combines stirring melodies with words of inspiration, joy, and - at times - sadness. With a thoughtful piano and acoustic guitar duet, Diamond In The Rough gets started with "Alive", a track in which Aprylle reflects upon the need to be seen and accepted for who we truly are. In a voice both pensive and sultry that often hints at an underlying self-consciousness, Aprylle takes the listener on a trek that is semi-autobiographical yet familiar to most of us. There is an overall theme of learning to be true to yourself, and the happiness that lies in finding someone who will accept you for who you are. To that end, much of Aprylle's music is lifting and inspirational, though poignant reminders of a not-so-joyful past are ever present. From the infectious chorus and memorable riffs of "One More Time Around" to the uplifting beat of "Making A Believer", Diamond In The Rough proves to be a very personal and quite enjoyable album from an aspiring songstress no longer afraid to bare her soul. As her confidence grows, Aprylle will undoubtedly emerge from the West Coast coffeehouses to take a place on larger stages across the nation.” - Dave Knoch