PARABLE OF THE TREES
Grafting Americana grit with the ambitious intricacies of prog-rock and his signature "cowboy jazz" sound, Eaton translates ancient timber lessons into a high-stakes sonic ecosystem. Parable of the Trees, a sprawling, wooden-hewed epic, is both dense and refreshingly lawless—a boundary-blurring masterclass in instrumental storytelling.
The seven original compositions contained within Parable of the Trees are a study in controlled eclecticism. Eaton, a genuine multi-instrumentalist (handling all instruments himself), seamlessly fuses complex jazz fusion structures with the heartland grit of Americana, the soulful depth of blues, and the ambitious intricacies of progressive and art rock. The result is a sound that feels both intellectually stimulating and deeply resonant.
Central to the album's identity is the further exploration of Eaton’s self-coined "cowboy jazz" style, which comprises roughly half of the tracklist. This signature sound weaves dusty, wide-open sonic spaces with precise harmonic complexity, creating a unique sub-genre that defies easy categorization.
The album’s title and central theme draw profound inspiration from the symbolism of nature and the lessons gleaned from it. Eaton explored the extensive use of trees and natural elements as potent metaphors throughout Scripture, recognizing their ancient roles as providers of food, shelter, shade, and more. This thematic grounding provides a powerful, universal undercurrent to the instrumental narratives, inviting listeners to reflect on stability, growth, and sustenance in a chaotic world.
Brian Eaton - electric guitar, 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: "The Upper Cascades, Columbia River," & back cover photo: "Multnomah Falls, Columbia River," by Carleton E. Watkins, 1867
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), Tim Lamping, Duane Williams (WWOZ), Michael Ricci (All About Jazz), Bob Osborne (World of Jazz), Allegra Drums, and the fans for their continued support.
This digital recording was produced to ensure maximum transient clarity, a wide dynamic range, and an open soundstage that captures the finest detail. The headroom required to achieve higher fidelity results in a lower output volume.
℗© 2026 Eatin' Records / BSE Music (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. Releases April 24, 2026
24-Bit/96kHz audio available on 
