Garreson Monte
Garreson has a new album Monte, which features saved voicemails left by Garreson’s grandfather Monte Garrison, who was a country Western singer and musician and supported his grandson’s parallel passion for songwriting and music. Garreson named his album for his grandfather, and the songs weave a tightly supported tapestry of family talent, love, and generational support.
The first message is one of support and encouragement: “I was just thinking to myself you’ve got more talent than most people. You need to give it a try. You can do it.” And then the second track “Like Hell” is a Garreson’s first of several tributes to his grandfather who has since passed away, “you’re gone and I still feel so much.” It’s mournful and relatable as Garreson confesses the self-sabatoge that comes with grieving and sorrow. “Honey I’ll tell you the truth, it’s always been about you, I wish it wasn’t so f-ing hard.”
After the emotionally authentic tone has been set by the first songs, “High” follows, with a significant identification of being high on life: “if you knew me well you would see I’m high because the wind carries me.” In “Alright Now” Garreson’s hushed presentation shows his talent for approaching listeners from heart to heart, as he croons about standing up for what’s right: “I’m heavy with doubt, but I won’t turn around now, I won’t back down, baby it’s alright now.”
“Let it Go” is a song written by Monte which is has lap steel by Kevin Hahn and is a poignant classic old-style country sound. You can feel yourself transported to a late night slow dance in a dark bar with your love. It’s solid good songwriting, and a nice two-generational display of talent, as Garreson’s singing is superb.
“Swimming” recounts a dream about Garreson’s grandfather and this song brings to life the clear sense that the supportive connection continues from another plane of existence. The encouragement to swim, jump in the water of life, and live fully continue through dreamscapes.
“Follow your dreams” is echoed in the second voice message, and the uplifting ode to Garreson’s mother sets up next. The songwriting occupies the sweet spot between sorrowful and carrying on.
The whole album is a processing of mortality, familial connection, support blended with grieving and missing someone. Garreson knows this topic well and channels the tenderness with skill and inspiration. Find more information here on his website: http://www.garreson.com
Monte was recorded at Opal Recording Studio in Portland, Oregon; produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Hahn.
Musicians on the album are Garreson on vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboard and backing vocals; Kevin Han on backing vocals, bass, electric guitar, lap steel and keyboards, and on track 1 and 7 are voicemails left from Garreson’s grandfather Monte Garrison.
