I was excited when I received news of new music from Jack Garratt, who, you may recall burst onto the scene when he topped the BBC Sound Of Poll and won the BRIT’s Critics Choice Award in 2016. He is widely regarded as a master multi-instrumentalist whose inimitable live shows regularly receive rave reviews;
“An incredible performer to witness live” Daily Telegraph
“The sound he creates up there puts him several leagues beyond Sheeran” The Guardian
The album of 12 of Jack’s iconic tracks was recorded during a run of intimate live shows he performed at PizzaExpress Live in Holborn earlier this year. The album is set to be released on Friday 5th July, with a live sold out performance of the album taking place at the same location on Tuesday 25th June.
This reviewer was treated to an early listen of the 12 tracks that Jack and his band performed and I can honestly say that he was completely blown away.
He listened intently to all 12 tracks and whilst each one delivers a completely unique sonic experience, it was the slow burning, piano led numbers which allowed Garratt’s smoky, soulful vocals to take centre stage that did it for him.
Garratt’s effortless falsetto opens up beautifully on a number of the tracks, and believe me when I say that it is something to savour and hold close to your heart as the record progresses.
‘Breathe Life’ sounded immense, with its heartbeat synth sound dominating the opening bars ahead of plucked viola allowing the silky smooth vocals to slide in like hot butter on a toasted crumpet. The sound of bass, drums and piano provide a subtle, yet solid backing which could sound overpowering but instead, allows you to focus on the track as a whole, with nothing overpowering any other instrument, it’s as if everything complements each other, perfectly.
‘Weathered’ is a real ‘listening’ track, it’s hard to explain, but once you hear the way that the smooth guitar paves the way for Garratt’s breathy vocals, you’ll know what I mean. Absolute silence was adopted by the room as the track wore on, which is exactly what was needed for the delivery of this heartfelt, beautifully penned ballad.
‘Old Enough’ introduced a more gritty, bluesy, and dare I say dirty sounding guitar which really shook things up for this reviewer. The guitar bed allowed for the vocals to soar like an eagle flying over a canyon, with the occasional guitar crash keeping you on point. The rawness of this track coupled with the baring of his soul was immense and at one point in the track, things could have got out of hand, you can sense Garratt wanting to scream, let it all out, rid himslef of the curse he was under but he manages to hold it together, and keep things on a strong simmer as the track comes to a close.
‘Water’ was immense, I am familiar with this track and to hear it in this arrangement was nothing short of magical. It starts with a heavy electronic backing and a simple beat that ease you into the track, the electronica ceases at the 45 second mark, allowing piano and vocals to take over. The strings build as the drum comes back in, creating a moody, atmospheric and delightful listen.
‘Mara’ sees a more upbeat opening, with sublime percussion and a heavily distorted guitar that sit perfectly alongside the vocals. With the inclusion of angelic backing vocals, the track builds to a crescendo with elements of soul and gospel, it is truly a work of art that should be celebrated. The guitar tone on this track is quite simply off the scale, and needs to be heard to be believed!
‘Surprise Yourself’ appears on the record across two tracks, first off, a solo that is performed whilst Garratt takes time to tune up. What follows is 150 seconds of pure bliss. The tone of that guitar is otherworldly and creates a ‘pinch me’ moment which will bring you back to earth. The solo then merges into the main track which sees Garratt open with a sublime falsetto, the vocal harmonies here are immense and when the guitar comes in, it took this listener to a joyous place.
Of the record, Jack Garratt said, "I've never played with a band before like this, I’ve never played these songs in these arrangements before. It's been such a formative and gorgeous experience getting to dissect these songs with my friends and play them like they're brand new in such a beautiful and intimate venue.”
I could go on about the rest of the record but I honestly want you to experience it for yourselves first hand, I want you to relax, fix yourself your favourite drink and sit back in a dimly lit room and let the smouldering vocal tones of Jack Garratt wash over you. I want you to imagine that you were in the room when this treasured recording was being made, I want you to smile when the gutsy tone of the guitar hits you square in the face like it did me for the very first time. I want you to enjoy the pace of the record, the pauses, the breathy silences that appear throughout, all of these elements making the record what it is, a magical recording that should be heard by everyone in the right setting. This is not background music, this is music to immerse yourself in, something to make time for, something to savour, something to genuinely look forward to, and I for one will be first in line on 5th July when it’s released, I strongly urge you to follow my lead….
Words by Steve Muscutt
Jack Garratt At PizzaExpress Live In London will be released on Friday 5th July in partnership with Absolute Label Services and will be available on CD, vinyl and all major digital platforms. Pre-order HERE.
