Circles
Organic, 2020
8/10
A multi-instrumentalist who has already picked up a Grammy for being a member of the always impressive Stringdusters, here Jeremy Garrett brings his guitar, mandolin and fiddle to 8 intimate and bluegrass influenced tunes.
“I Am Who I Am” gets the listen off to a rhythmic and melodic start with Garrett’s smooth vocals guiding the rootsy fun, and “I Can’t Lay Your Lovin’ Down” follows with a soulful quality as intricate string work flows in the cautious atmosphere.
Further into the listen, “What Would We Find?” unfolds with incredible beauty as vocal harmonies and solos highlight the affair, while “Baker’s Jam” offers precise picking and mandolin acrobatics in the instrumental tune.
Closer to the end, “Circles” gets dreamy- almost cinematic- before a more folk based template emerges amid harmony vocals from Prisca, and “The Highway” ends the listen with proficient acoustic guitar and emotive, country spirited song craft.
An innovative listen that uses layers and looping with incredible skill, consider Circles a fusion record where bluegrass, Americana, roots, folk and country ideas are all used strategically and sublimely.
Travels well with: John Bowman- The Hole; Sideline- Breaks To The Edge