Good keyboardists are a rare commodity. Gabe Dixon is a good keyboardist, and has sat behind the ivories for Paul McCartney and Allison Krauss.

But what possessed him to grab a microphone and belt out notes that not even a musicologist would recognize is beyond anyone’s knowledge.

So what happens when keyboardist actually decides to take the lead vocals?

The answer is not much, and this is exemplified by the Gabe Dixon Band’s second album, Live at the World Cafe.

Their new sophomore album, showcases four new songs and a song from their debut album, More Than it Would Seem, which are pretty much what one would expect of a live album; just a little more pitchy at times.

The massacre of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Hey Joe’ which appears on the six-track album is, for lack of a better term, torture.

People everywhere extend their sympathy to the patrons in Pittsburgh who were at the World Cafe when this crucification occured.

The Gabe Dixon Band will be touring extensively throughout the year as well as making plans for their next studio album.

Bottom Line: The only thing that kills this Cd is ‘Hey Joe.’ Other than that, the songs are listener friendly and somewhat relaxing.

Life at the World Cafe is worth a gander. Let’s just hope the Gabe Dixon Band pays their respect to classic rock gods silently.