Artist: Greg Jacquin: singer-songwriter; Paul Griffin: singer-songwriter-piano player; Rich Berta: singer-songwriter-guitarist; Lalit Loomba: bass; and Peter Wilson: drums
EP: ‘Hudson River’
Produced by Greg Schettino, Berta and Jacquin; Recorded, mixed and mastered by Schettino at AFA Recording studio, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Putting down, and maintaining, strong roots in the community is a powerful motivator for many people as they strive to improve their lives. Satisfying that urge to build and preserve their relationships, in addition to also enhancing their own personality, often drives people to recognize their faults and advantages, which is a key theme in singer-songwriter Greg Jacquin’s current tracks.
The musician cites such acts as The Beatles and Cat Stevens as some of his earliest influences when he was a child in the 1970s. He’s now finding new energy for music along the Hudson Valley, where he currently lives, in the company of the many other creative artists who also call the area home. Jacquin is returning to the music scene after he began playing in bands in high school, and recorded several albums in the early ’90s. He then spent years having a family and working in law enforcement. Now, upon his retirement, the singer has delved back into making music again. He has recently released the eight-track indie folk-rock-Americana EP, ‘Hudson River,’ which reflects on his relationships and life choices.
Jacquin’s new album begins with one of its best entries, ‘The Station,’ which features a memorable and sentimental blend of the acoustic guitar, drums, violin, viola, cello and piano. The singer croons about how he met a friend at the title station, but admits that the person he’s meeting may not recognize him. The musician vulnerably admits that he didn’t mean to lose his way in life, and he’s missed where he’s been, so he’s determined to start over again from the beginning.
The sophomore song on ‘Hudson River’ is the emotionally gripping ‘Floating,’ which is more soulful than its predecessor. The passionate notes that arise from the guitar, drums, piano, violin and bass provide a nostalgic and sentimental feeling, as the singer croons about how he sees his old friends all the time. But he emotes how some bonds aren’t as close as they used to be, as he floated away from home. But he’s now trying to get back to the life once knew, and even though his old neighborhood has changed since he left, he feels as though he can fit back in.
The EP then transitions into the more rock-inspired track, ‘On The Moorings,’ which features a stunning piano, violin, viola, cello and guitar. Jacquin sings about how the current difficult conditions in his life are symbolically bringing him in different directions. He also emotionally notes that in particular, the person he loves doesn’t fit into his life, but he loves them anyway. He prepare himself for an intense struggle against the emotional tide that he’s sure to face next, as he can’t slow things down.
‘Hudson River’ then transitions into one of its best tunes, which is titled ‘Scratches and Bridges.’ The more upbeat entry features the sax, drums and bass as the stunning backdrop for Jacquin expressing how the title physical marks on his body remind him who he is and what he’s gone through throughout his life, and define him as a man. While he admits that he can’t get back the years he wasted, he still embraces the things he has gone through, especially as he’s chasing his demons while he tries to improve himself.
After ‘Scratches and Bridges,’ the singer’s latest record delves into the reflective track, ‘Yesterdaze,’ which features a sentimental instrumental mix of the guitar, drums, piano, violin and bass. Jacquin croons about how he is retracing his footsteps, as he tries to find his way. However, he can’t remember the day that changed his life forever, as his past seems so far away. He also intensely admits that he needs to find his way back to the woman he loves, as she will help him improve his life.
The next tune on ‘Hudson River’ is the truly unique ‘Hopeless Entrance,’ which features a distinct grittiness in Jacquin’s vocals and guitar playing. The musician passionately asks for forgiveness for not being focused in his life, as he reveals that he wants to repair his broken relationship, as well as repair the hopelessness in his life. The entry is a powerful contemplation on where the musician’s life has been, and where he’s going next.
Jacquin’s latest EP ends with gripping reworkings of two of its earlier entries, including the string mix of ‘The Station’ and the radio edit of ‘Floating.’ Those remixes powerfully help show that putting down, and maintaining, strong roots in the community is a compelling motivator for many people as they strive to improve their lives. Satisfying that urge to build and preserve those relationships, in addition to also enhancing their own personality, often drives people to recognize their faults and advantages, which is a key theme in Jacquin’s current tracks. Now, upon his return to playing music after raising his family and his retirement from his career in law enforcement, the singer’s stunning new album, ‘Hudson River,’ dynamically reflects on his relationships and life choices.
