Jake Armerding
Jake Armerding

Review By Steven Stone
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CD Number: Compass records 7 4354 2

  Every sideman dreams of someday recording his own album; relocating from the background to the front of the stage. Jake Armerding's first solo release on Compass Records proves he is more than ready to make his move. After serving time with David Wilcox, Northern Lights and Judith Edelman, multi-instrumentalist Armerding shows he can write as well as play fiddle, guitar and mandolin.

Although he has a traditional folk roots background, the music on this CD maintains a more pop feeling. Unlike many "pickers" who revel in the opportunity to show off their flashy licks, Armerding's CD showcases his songs. Full of catchy hooks and bridges, Armerding's compositions display modern musical sophistication without being inordinately busy or overcomplicated. Along with infectious melodies Armerding's lyrics display emotional resonance and intellectual weight. Lines like " Look at this place, the unsaid is in the sink, all of your disclaimers on the door; the bottles and bottles of differences to drink, and you spill your silent treatment on the floor."

Personally handling production duties, Jake Armerding enlisted the help of his father, Taylor Armerding, on harmony vocals, Paul Bessenbacher on piano, Andrew Hall on dobro, Dennis Holt on drums and percussion, Greg Liszt on banjo, and Gary Wicks on bass. Recorded by Kenny Lewis and Rick Durkee mostly at the Mixed Emotions Studio in Middleton, Massachusetts, the sonics are first rate. An acquaintance of mine recently remarked that never before in the history of pop music has there been so much good new music. Jake Armerding's CD proves how right he is.

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