Garreson -- Monte
Garreson pays tribute to his grandfather on his debut album Monte. Come for the '70s-tinted folk, stay for Garreson's buttery barroom baritone and divine tenor.
Garreson pays tribute to his grandfather Monte on his debut album. Monte, the elder Garrison, was a country songwriter, and Garreson intercuts the album with encouraging voice memos. His grandfather was a mentor, giving Garreson space to grow into himself – and to grow as an artist.
These are gentle songs packed with intense emotion: grief, gratitude, defiance, love. Garreson explores his relationship with the gifts his grandfather has given him – music, yes, but also the ability to hold his head high. It's not surprising, then, that there's a '70s tint to this album, as if Garreson carefully blended John Denver's sincerity and groove with Elton John's fey instincts.
"High" and "Like Hell" examine what it means for a relationship to end – either through death or just an old-fashioned breakup. How do you carry on? How do you recover the pieces of yourself, and come to terms that the person who's left you will always be a part of you? How do you make peace with your anger at being left behind?
"Let It Go" seeks to answer that question while showcasing Garreson's buttery barroom baritone and divine tenor. While Garreson's music is warm, it's his voice that truly steals the show, effortlessly gliding to impressive heights while staying tether to the ground with his earthy music.
Monte will be out on Friday, August 29.
