Toronto singer-songwriter Howard Gladstone releases HOURGLASS – his fifth album of original contemporary folk music – with accompanying vocals and duets with an occasional Latin twist from Laura Fernandez and guitar licks from the virtuoso, fret-burning Tony Quarrington. Howard Gladstone is on a mission to direct the songs on his new album Hourglass to those in need of hope. It’s filled with the themes of loss, hope, healing, recovery, the road, viewed through the lens of passing time, and symbolized in the hourglass.

Gladstone is no stranger to these ideas, since experiencing a sudden onset of spinal stenosis in 2014 that resulted in debilitating spinal surgery. At first he was totally paralyzed and completely immobile. It was a very gradual recovery, but after three years, he emerged with a greater passion, a higher level of commitment and inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the healing power of art and music.

…. a blend of superior guitar work, introspective lyrics, with an intermittent Latin undertone…., Hourglass is, all in all, a real pleasant listen.

– Phil Harries, Penguin Eggs

I’m biased because I recorded it, but Hourglass is filled with a real life force energy

– Peter J. Moore, Grammy winning engineer

An emblematic album, embracing the tradition of the troubadour and the philosophy of the searcher, Hourglass flows with flourishes of insight and romantic imagery.

– Paul Corby, Corby’s Orbit, Radio Regent

Hourglass, a collection of nine exquisite songs about human fragility and strength, as time ticks away

– Ruth Schweitzer, CJN