Jason Seed Stringtet

I was sent this album not long ago and have given it several listens. And then when I was done I had to give it several more.

The Jason Seed Stringtet has put out a collection of music that is really quite remarkable. Throughout the album you get everything from a Piazzolla-esque tango to some bluesy grooves to some Edgar Meyer-like virtuosity. All packed into some exquisitely crafted compositions.

The ensemble itself is remarkable. Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass in various quartet combinations throughout the album. The guitar adds such a great color it changes that traditional string ensemble sound into something far more dynamic. It is obvious to me that each of these players can soar through the music with great ease and filled with the joy of playing and you can't help but follow. They take you on such a journey and when you arrive at the destination you can't wait until you can travel with them again.

This album is prime example of what one can do with great compositions and fantastic players. I have not been able to take out of my stereo for some time.

I highly recommend.

Enchanting New Artist

In my quest to find new musical people of various genres of music I have come across another person whom I consider to be a bit of a gem.

Laura Gibson

Not really sure how to classify this one, so I won't. If you dig Colon Maloy (lead singer of the Decemberists) at all, this is sort of in that vein. In fact she opens for him on a regular basis and they are featured on each other's records.

You can check out her HUSH records website here, and her myspace page here. There are also some Youtube videos of her (particularly of her opening up for Colin).

enjoy!

Another New Artist

Here is another new artist (well, new to me) for your sampling. If you are one of those people who tend to enjoy things of a minimalist nature (especially when they attempt to avoid all the normal minimalist pitfalls) this might be an artist for you.

James Blackshaw

He is a guitar player (most often 12 string, which is really nice) who writes some interesting minimalist textures, most often for himself on guitar and piano (someone else on piano, he doesn't have four arms), which is a pretty nice combination, often using some kind of drone instrument or technique. All in all, I find it soothing and creates many of those moments that I enjoy that makes time become irrelevant to your existence, which is my preferred state of mind.

There are some interesting YouTube videos of him here, you can sample his music on his Myspace page and there is a pretty nice interview with him on Pitchfork (which, incidentally is a pretty nice site for perusing.)

He has several albums you can check out.

Many people don't enjoy these kinds of textures, and I understand that, and have been criticized for enjoying this stuff, but there is just something about it that makes me happy and calm. Steve Reich puts me into a trance, if that makes any sense at all.

in any case, check him out... ENJOY!

New Artist

If at any point in the musical spectrum you fall down on the folk side of things you should check out this young artist. Barely 18, just graduated from high school this young guitar/banjo/mandolin player and sultry singer has already made herself a name around the folk world and hopefully will continue to do so. Really nice tight songs, beautiful vocal lines and some really great lyric work.

you can check out some of her performances on youtube.

She also does a really nice cover of The Decemberist's "Shankill Butchers" as well as a really interesting rendition of Tom Waits' "Come On Up To The House".

Enjoy!