Eric McGarry: As I Am, As You Were

Eric McGarry's debut album As I Am, As You Were is an exploration of the complexities of change which finds its inspiration in the natural world, personal relationships, and introspective thoughts on authenticity and identity. McGarry, an established guitarist, composer and educator, presents his listeners with an exquisite musical journey marked by his musical storytelling through the language of jazz.

The album opens with "Migration," a track which sets the tone with its modern straight eight rhythms. McGarry's deft touch on the electric guitar is relaxed, and flows with a strong foundation in the jazz tradition, while reaching to today's modern jazz language. Micah Graves' Fender Rhodes imbues the composition with a sense of journey and transformation.

"Monocarpia," the second track, continues this narrative, showcasing McGarry's compositional skill and interesting use of orchestration within a quartet setting. The interaction between McGarry's warmly distorted guitar, Mervin Toussaint's alto saxophone, and Steven Perry's drums creates an intricate melodic dialogue which resonates with the listener.

"Forward Towards The Light" and "Tides" further exemplify the album's thematic underpinnings, presenting an evolving musical landscape which exhibits the constant flux of nature and life. The interplay between the musicians, especially the harmonic balance between McGarry's guitar and Pete Dennis's upright bass, creates a sonic atmosphere which is as immersive as it is expressive.

"Inhale, Exhale," a seven-minute musical meditation, captures a well-constructed contemplative mood. The track's nuanced, breath-like rhythmic patterns echo the title, giving the listener a moment of introspective respite.

"Transcendence" provides a powerful penultimate piece, its progressive jazz elements demonstrating McGarry's deep understanding of the modern jazz genre; his ability to push its boundaries is musical and informed with the foundational expertise of the jazz guitar lineage.

The album concludes with the title track, "As I Am, As You Were," a heartfelt musical reflection which beautifully summarizes the album's narrative arc. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative journey the listener has taken, guided by McGarry's insightful composition and performance. Throughout the album, McGarry's compositions shine, filled with memorable melodies and well-chosen harmonic landscapes which allow for ample ensemble interaction and improvisation. This, coupled with the performances of each musician, creates a cohesive album which feels like a well-tuned ensemble, rather than a collection of separate pieces. Notably, Ross Bellenoit's addition of lap steel and auxiliary percussion adds a unique touch to the album, further enhancing its overall texture and depth.

As I Am, As You Were is an outstanding debut from McGarry. His sophisticated understanding of jazz and his ability to craft compositions which resonate on a deeply emotional level are at the core of the album's success. McGarry also builds an unmistakable narrative of a journey through change—one which invites its listeners to reflect, explore and, ultimately, transform with the music. With this debut, McGarry has an excellent foundation to build his name as a notable figure in modern jazz, and listeners can only anticipate his future projects with excitement.