(Photo by Jonathan McLeod)

“It means stone angel…” laughs Gabrielle “Gabby” Pietrangelo. “Yes, I’ve thought of changing it, but it’s who I am.”  Winner of the 2023 John Lennon Summer Songwriting Contest, Gabrielle has performed with many different artists, as well as arranged and collaborated with a host of others, among them musicians such as Howe Gelb, Brian Lopez, Calexico, Amos Lee, John Coinman, Sergio Mendoza and Mamma Coal. 

Her smile is incandescent and quick to appear. Her desert-kissed voice is rich and smooth, as she explores themes of love, relationships, her unusual environment, her love for Tucson and its landscape of mountains, gorgeous skies and cactus is obvious. She is someone who counts her blessings instead of focusing on what she doesn’t have. Her laid back style of guitar perfectly complements a voice that goes from gentle and soothing to powerful and challenging, showcasing her vocal range, powerful lyrics, and ability to touch the listener’s heart. 

Despite having a name that’s difficult to pronounce, if you ask anyone in Tucson about Gabrielle “Gabby” Pietrangelo, you will most likely be answered with a huge smile. They may tell you about how she has taught their children music, or about that incredible show she did at the Tucson Folk Festival. They may talk about her previous band, Silver Thread Trio who made a huge impact at the International Folk Festival in Memphis. When she hits the stage, the world gets brighter.  

Her voice is like amazing food, filled with layers and hidden gems of taste. Her songs are catchy and mesmerizing.  She is a favorite, a consistent draw at events and venues at Centennial Hall, the Tucson Folk Festival, The Rialto Theater and Club Congress among others.  She even has her own mural on the Rialto Theater in downtown Tucson.  

Gabrielle is releasing her finest collection of songs to date on March 7th, entitled Back To The Heart. She will perform a special album release concert at Tucson's historical Temple of Music & Art. Stars of the southwest music scene will be onstage in full force for this rare and ethereal performance. Joining Gabrielle will be her long-time collaborators and fellow musicians; Howe Gelb, John Convertino and Jacob Valenzuela (Calexico), Brian Lopez (Xixa, KT Tunstall, Calexico), Naim Amor, blues aficionado Tom Walbank, Mamma Coal, Thoger Lund, Chris Pena, Nick Coventry, Casey Hadland, John Coinman and Wolf Larsen. Tickets available here.