LIKE A ROOT OUT OF DRY GROUND
Eaton’s seventh album dives deep into the fertile territory where jazz fusion meets the dusty plains of Americana, a style he dubs “cowboy jazz.” This deeply personal and sonically adventurous album mines emotional depths through genre-defying soundscapes. Written during a challenging period in his life, the heartfelt collection pays tribute to his father while exploring themes of resilience.
What makes this album particularly compelling is the deeply personal context surrounding its creation. The majority of the music was written during a challenging period when Eaton’s father was battling serious health issues in his final days. This emotional weight permeates the album, lending a profound sense of vulnerability and introspection to the intricate instrumental arrangements.
The album serves as a heartfelt dedication to Eaton’s father, the very man who ignited his lifelong passion for jazz. The evocative title, Like a Root out of Dry Ground, is drawn from Isaiah chapter 53, a passage reflecting on the promise of redemption found amidst suffering. This poignant connection underscores the album’s underlying themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of familial love.
Like a Root out of Dry Ground promises to be more than just a collection of songs; it’s an immersive sonic journey through grief, memory, the boundless possibilities of musical expression, and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from difficult circumstances. Brian Eaton has once again proven his mettle as a singular force in contemporary instrumental music, crafting an album that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Brian Eaton - electric & acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards, drums & percussion
Produced & Engineered by Brian Eaton
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Brian Eaton at Eatin' Records, Portland, OR
All music written & arranged by Brian Eaton and published by BSE Music (ASCAP)
Originally recorded, mixed & mastered digitally in 96kHz / 24-bit format
Album artwork & design by Brian Eaton. Cover photo by Dorothea Lange, 1938; back cover photo by Arthur Rothstein, 1936. Both images are courtesy of the U.S. Farm Security Administration.
As always, thank you to my family & friends. Special thanks to Lynn Darroch (Jazz Scene/KMHD), Dave Leonatti (NPR), Ron Pelletier (Jazz from Gallery 41), James Kibby (All Jazz Radio), Tim Lamping, Duane Williams (WWOZ), Michael Ricci (All About Jazz), Bob Osborne (World of Jazz), Allegra Drums, and the fans for their continued support.
℗© 2025 Eatin' Records / BSE Music (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. Releases June 27, 2025
