TRAIL OF CONTRITION
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TRAIL OF CONTRITION
"The music of American multi-instrumentalist Brian Eaton defies easy classification. 'Trails of Contrition' navigates between accessible jazz and Americana, performed on various guitars, keyboards, and percussion. Two standout tracks on the album are new versions of previously released pieces: “Travels,” originally by Pat Metheny, and the standard “Detour Ahead,” familiar from interpretations by icons like Billie Holiday or Sarah Vaughan. Eaton draws from a variety of influences. The opening track, “Where Rivers Meet the Plains,” features an intro that could fit on a Pink Floyd album (complete with flowing water)...His signature style ensures the music is easily digestible, never challenging, and smoothly delivered, thanks in part to its polished production. Pleasant listening..." —Jeroen Mulder, Maxazine
Eaton's new boundary-pushing album fuses genres from jazz to Americana, paying homage to legends while carving its own path. The record weaves together musical terrains of intricate arrangements, lyrical melodies, atmospheric layers, and rustic rhythms that evoke the American heartland's sweeping landscapes and rural back roads.
The album’s centerpiece is Eaton’s ambitious cover of the Pat Metheny Group’s “Travels,” the Grammy-winning live track that has captivated audiences since its debut. Paying homage to Metheny’s unparalleled artistry, Eaton brings a fresh interpretation to the beloved classic, retaining its sweeping, emotive feel in the spirit of the ‘80s era PMG while incorporating elements of American roots music that give it an earthy texture.
Eaton also nods to jazz tradition with a striking interpretation of the jazz standard “Detour Ahead,” a soulful ballad immortalized by artists like Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. As one of the album’s lead singles, Eaton’s rendition of “Detour Ahead” finds the sweet spot between reverence and innovation, blending lyrical guitar lines with lush harmonic arrangements of delicate slow strings that evoke both melancholy and hope. His expressive playing offers a contemporary twist while keeping the emotional core and legacy of the song intact. Both “Detour Ahead” and “Travels,” which were released earlier this year as a two-track single, have fresh alternative mixes for the new album.
Trail of Contrition showcases Eaton’s mastery of multiple genres, with compositions that stretch the limits of conventional jazz fusion. Tracks are infused with the rustic essence of Americana, the energy of rock, and the intricate improvisational interplay of jazz. Eaton’s meticulous production as a sonic alchemist highlights his ability to create a cohesive and immersive experience, taking the listener on a winding journey through musical terrains that might otherwise seem incompatible.
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
Tracks 1, 3, 4, & 6 written & arranged by Brian Eaton and published by BSE Music (ASCAP)
"Travels" written by Lyle Mays & Pat Metheny. Copyright/Published by Lyle Mays Music (BMI) & Pat Meth Music Corp. (BMI)
"Detour Ahead" written by Herb Ellis, John Frigo, and Lou Carter. Copyright/Published by Princess Music Publishing Corp. (ASCAP)
Originally recorded, mixed & mastered digitally in 96kHz / 24-bit format
Album artwork & design by Brian Eaton, created from an original photo by Gary Halvorson
As always, thank you to my family & friends. Also James Kibby (All Jazz Radio), Tim Lamping, Duane Williams (WWOZ), Michael Ricci, Bob Osborne, Allegra Drums, and the fans for their continued support.
℗© 2024 Eatin' Records / BSE Music (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. Released December 27, 2024
