Greg Jacquin More Sugar February 2018

This Just In ~ New CD Release by Jacquin

By Jacque Roche

If you haven’t heard Greg Jacquin’s single, The Station you simply must in preparation of his new album release this February. The new album, entitled Hudson River is chock full of dulcet, melodious tracks revealing the emotions and personal obstacles Jacquin encountered during a transitional time in his life.  Like many of us, the responsibilities of a demanding job and young family took priority during the early years. It was retirement that allowed Greg the freedom to rekindle his songwriting dreams while navigating his evolution from blue-collar worker to music show promoter, composer and self-album releaser.

With influences that include; The Beatles, Cat Stevens, The Avett Brothers and The Flaming Lips, Jacquin draws inspiration from his deep roots in the Hudson Valley River towns where he was raised.  He has been playing guitar since he was able to hold one and performed with bands in high school while recording several albums with a metal band Know Idea in the early to mid ‘90s.

I was able to review the soon-to-be released Hudson River, and it is apparent that Greg has evolved from his early metal-wielding ways. Yet, it occurred to me, after listening to the tracks, that while Greg may have shed his metal skin and progressed to a more melodic Folksy, Americana’esque vibe, he has not completely left the growls or emphatic beats far behind.  During my research, it intrigued me to discover that many of early metal’s musicians were classically trained.  According to Kurt Bachmann of Believer, "If done correctly…classical and metal are probably the two genres that have the most in common when it comes to feel, texture, creativity." Therefore, it made perfect sense that the instrumentation of Hudson River heavily features string arrangements and presentation by chamber musician, Nick Attila, alongside equally harmonious string performances by the talented violinist, Lisa Dodakian and multi-string instrumentalist, Amy Selig. 

I met Greg in 2014 and have had the pleasure of working on a few projects with him over the years.  Our most recent joint venture was a Nov 3rd interview on Pawling Public Radio and a debut performance of The Station with his band.  During the performance I found myself drawn in by Jacquin’s raspy, compelling vocals and (as I often do) wondering what it is that I find so captivating.  We spoke about it on air; yet until this writing, it never dawned on me . . . Greg is employing a smoother, lyrical method from his early metal extended vocal techniques!  I wonder if he realizes it himself or if it’s all just part of what makes his music so unique?

When asked what he believes are the stand out tracks from Hudson River Greg generously replies, “Floating and Yesterdaze are my favorites. We all wrote those songs together as a band. Floating was co-written by guitarist/songwriter Rich Berta and Yesterdaze co-written by songwriter/pianist Paul Griffin.  They are well beyond anything I've written on my own.”

The supportive musician community in the Hudson River towns provided Jacquin with inspiration and play an intricate role in the album explains Jacquin.  “Everyone involved in this album, from beginning to end, is from The Hudson Valley.”  All the musicians and co-writers involved are working musicians that are available for hire.  Along with the string section, the album came together with combined backing from Richard Berta/guitar, Peter Wilson/drums, Scott Fragala and Lalit Looma/bass, Anthony Gach/trumpet, Joe Natale/Sax, Greg Connors/guitar/vocals joined by Jim Keyes, Greg Schettino and Amy King/vocals.

Hudson River, the upcoming album by Greg Jacquin is scheduled for release February 9, 2018.  The Station was released on 9/23/17 and is available to stream and download everywhere.  If you’d like to catch a live performance of The Greg Jacquin Band, join them at the CD Release Party Feb 9 at Six Degrees of Separation Restaurant and Bar in Ossining, February 23^rd at The Tapp in Tarrytown or they are back at 6 Degrees on March 10^th. 

Unfortunately, there is a limit to the space I can take up on the pages of More Sugar Magazine.  However, with so much more to be said about Greg, his passions and many collaborations as well as a full list of events, please visit his website at www.GregJacquinMusic.com and keep up with his ongoing journey.

Jacque Roche is a “More Sugar” contributor, author of a weekly “Positive Insights” newsletter, booker, FB Jedi Master and host of, Jacque’s Giant Hudson Valley Music Show on 103.7 WPWL, streaming Thursday from 8-9 pm EST on www.pawlingpublicradio.org.  Can I tell your story?  Send an email to: jacquebutterflypresents@gmail.com.