Gradually Descended Into Chaos
Self-Titled, 2023
8/10
Listen Gradually Descended Into Chaos
The sophomore album from the Nashville artist JP Ruggieri, this aptly titled listen surrounds some very difficult moments in the multi-instrumentalists life, and it welcomes several guest musicians to the personal affair.
“Kill A Smile” opens the listen with crisp drums and warm guitar, as Ruggieri’s cozy voice carries a bluesy, folky sort of appeal in the hazy climate, and “Buckets” follows with pounding drums from Jano Rix and Pete Ayres’ inviting backing vocals for the highly rhythmic delivery.
Further along, “Up By The River” uses Jordan Scannella’s precise bass superbly in the highly textured and horn friendly album highlight thanks to Matt Glassmeyer’s brass, while “Without The Sun” welcomes Oliver Wood’s inimitable pipes alongside the bright keys and thick layers.
“Prefer To Lose” and “Carry” exit the listen, where the former is a heartfelt and reflective moment, and the latter welcomes Ward Williams’ cello to the intimate and poetic finish that illustrates an impressive range from Ruggieri.
A very forthright listen that’s sometimes intense and takes on a healing aspect, too, Ruggieri recently ended a long term relationship, lost 30% of his hearing in one ear after having surgery to cure a chronic condition, and endured the chaos of the pandemic. Despite all this, he remains optimistic, grateful and grounded, as evidenced by this thoughtful and therapeutic record.
Travels well with: Jarrod Dickenson- Big Talk; Mark Erelli- Lay Your Darkness Down