Half Past 6, the self-titled debut by Twin Cities songwriter Tom Gebell and lead singer Greg Carson (January 8, Top Spin), kicks off 2008 with an uplifting resolution. No longer willing to dwell upon the gloom and doom dominating the headlines of recent years, Half Past 6 invites us to simply 'tune out, turn off,' and find those 'better days out in the distance' for ourselves. "As an average guy living in the Midwest, I can't change the world," explains Gebell. "But I can try to make my own little world a better place." It was that very thought that led Gebell to call upon the capable voice of veteran singer Greg Carson for his new band. Carson's strong, expressive tenor brings out vivid characters in Gebell's stories of everyday people who find the strength to cope with and conquer their demons. Their early-January release comes at a time when many people are looking to make changes in their own lives. The co-founders of the highly-successful 80's tribute band, Risky Business, Gebell and Carson couldn't launch their 12-track debut without a nod to their musical past: the melodramatic, mock-metal instrumental, "New Beginnings, Pt. 1." But as the band segues into "I Need Help," one starts to get the feel of what Half Past 6 was really after. This hook-laden rocker invites even those 'born with two left feet' to get up and dance. Half Past 6 moves fluidly between styles fusing rock, blues and country together to create a sound Gebell calls "Heartland Rock." Topics vary from simple love songs ("I Need Help," "I'm Comin' Home") to songs of vindication and redemption ("Gone Tonight"). They implore the acceptance life's curveballs with a sense of humor and grace ("Turned Out Wrong," "The Keys," "Live and Learn"), and even offer a little advice ("Every Dog," "The Center Lane," "One Man's Fortune"). Like many of today's independent releases, the songs in Half Past 6 were recorded one track at a time at Tom Gebell's home studio in Minnesota. The New Jersey-native spent roughly two years writing, performing and mixing the album to his perfectionist standards, before inviting Carson in. Carson, who charted hits in the Christian contemporary world, incorporates his Midwestern drawl with an emotive clarity that ultimately completes Half Past 6's signature sound. The band plans to tour regionally in 2008. On stage, Gebell and Carson will be joined by permanent members of the band: brothers Joe (keyboards) and Ben Peterson (drums); and bassist Paul "Pops" Pederson, who toured with Gebell as part of Darrin Rosha's band in 2002. _
