Greg Jacquin

Mr. Greg Jacquin is an accomplished singer/songwriter and New York state native residing in Hudson Valley, hence the name of his most recent release, Hudson River (February 9, 2018). The eight-track album, which can be heard/purchased via Bandcamp, sees Jacquin and his band build a beautiful, flowing river of sound by carefully combining indie folk, Americana and indie rock. The aptly-titled single, “Floating”, is a lazy but upbeat tune that whisks the listener away to a nearby stream on a warm, sunny day. Today, we have the pleasure of sharing this very song’s brand new music video - check it out!

Greg’s group, which includes local musicians Paul Griffin (singer/songwriter, piano), Rich Berta (singer/songwriter, guitar), Lalit Loomba (bass) and Peter Wilson (drums), is set to gig and tour the US in support of the new album, all of which will lead to an early 2019 full-length.

Commenting on the new video, Jacquin was kind enough to send over his thoughts: “‘Floating’ is a song about growing up and drifting away from your past, your family, your old friends and your old life.” - http://puregrainaudio.com/ Christopher Gonda

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 23rd at The Tapp in Tarrytown or they are back at 6 Degrees on March 10th.

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 - More Sugar Magazine

With the release of his debut album, Tarrytown musician Greg Jacquin proved that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The 48-year-old singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist said his first solo album, “Hudson River,” featuring six-tracks showcasing his raw, powerful and emotionally driven lyrics along with heavy string arrangements, exceeded his expectations.
“Why did I wait 48 years to do this?” Jacquin quipped. “I really wish I had gotten to it sooner, but life had other plans, I guess.”
The folk singer was introduced to music at an early age with his parents regularly playing The Beatles and Cat Stevens recordsat home. With a very musical family it didn’t take him long to pick up his stepfather’s guitar and start strumming the chords and writing songs. He explored his talent, taking lessons and performing shows in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown with his band during school events. He later recorded several albums with Know Idea in the early 1990s.
But he was forced to put music on hold when life took a different turn and raising a family became his priority. Despite his passion, he took a job with the Ossining Police Department and eventually retired after several years following an injury. He said the injury and other personal obstacles led him back to songwriting, which became his therapy.
“I started playing at home once I got hurt because I still had the desire to write songs,” said Jacquin, who added that music helped ease his battle with depression and anxiety. “When I’m writing or playing I’m at peace, and they don’t exist. The more I can play the better I’m feeling. Music has been my only therapy, I guess.”
As he reemerged into the cover band scene playing gigs throughout Westchester, Connecticut, and New Jersey, Jacquin said he met several songwriters and musicians whom he eventually collaborated with on his album. He said the chemistry he had with pianist Paul Griffin and guitarist and vocalist Rich Berta was perfect for the type of music he wanted to produce.
He teamed up with Berta, Griffin, guitarist and singer Greg Connors, and poet BK Fischer on the rest of the album and was also joined by several talented musicians recording at AFA Recording Studio in Cortlandt Manor.
The Tarrytown resident said his experiences and appreciation for his hometown influenced his songs.
“The lyrics are really based on living here. I think if I lived somewhere else I wouldn’t have written these songs the way they came out,” he said. “From my house I can see the new bridge and the old bridge, and every day I see the sunset. I lived here for so long and took it for granted because I was so busy, but retirement allowed me to take the time to write these songs.”
As he geared up for his album release party on February 9 at Six Degrees of Separation Restaurant & Brewery in Ossining, his song “The Station,” has already gotten radio play and received positive feedback from listeners. He said he was terrified for strangers to hear his innermost feelings but felt incredible hearing a song he had written while on his couch on the radio.
Despite his quiet persona, he hopes the album is well received and is ready to hop the train to tour the country if a well-known artist wants to offer him an opening slot. He said he’s been lucky over the last year collaborating with talented musicians that have allowed him to grow, boost his confidence and become more comfortable performing his own music in front of an audience.
He added that his band is already working on a second full-length album.
“Everyone involved in the project appreciates it, enjoys it and wants to be a part of it. The songwriting and the relationships I’ve built with songwriters and band members turned this from me writing songs on my couch by myself into this living breathing thing,” Jacquin said. “My music and my kids definitely gave me a lot to live for and a lot to fight for.”
To learn more about Greg Jacquin or view his upcoming show dates, visit www.gregjacquinmusic.com/. - The Hudson Independent

In case the album title didn’t give it away, Greg Jacquin is a native of the Hudson Valley region, and his music and persona possess very apparent undertones of a small town songwriter. Jacquin will release his newest EP, Hudson River on February 9th, but we were able to get a sneak preview of the album first. Although acoustic guitar certainly drives each song on the album, Jacquin dices in some interesting instrumentation, including a string and brass section woven in between songs. His album features six songs with two additional bonus song versions. His single for the album “The Station” is featured in two versions on this album, bringing two separate ideas to the table. He has simultaneously released a video for the single, which is slowly rising in views. The video paints his melancholy demeanor, and features shots the daily commuter would consider second nature. But this video is about Jacquin in his nature, with shots of nature in his surrounding area. His album has downs like these, with several ups as well, including the cheerful tune “On the Moorings”. Jacquin is in good company on this album, and each recording is well balanced and intentioned.

Jacquin will release his album on February 9th, but pre-orders are available now on his website.

Top Tracks: The Station, On the Moorings - Julia Wolfe

Radio interview. - WHUD Pamal Broadcasting

White Plains Cable Access TV is a first-come first-served public access facility serving the City of White Plains, NY. - White Plains Community Media

White Plains Cable Access TV is a first-come first-served public access facility serving the City of White Plains, NY. - White Plains Community Media

Greg Jacquin’s baroque folk of “Hudson River” simply stuns with its lovely arrangements. Over the course of “Hudson River” Greg Jacquin sings straight from the heart, proving to be an exceptional storyteller. Exploring elements of relationships, of looking back on one’s experiences, elements of nostalgia and yearning permeate the pieces. A wide variety of influences comes into the mix: from indie rock to country to 60s pop, all of it is woven together in a masterful sort of style. By far the true soul comes from Greg Jacquin’s vocals, which always seem to strike the right balance between beauty and blunt honesty.

Stream/Buy:

https://gregjacquin.bandcamp.com/album/hudson-river

Things open up with tremendous spirit on the ever-growing “The Station” which comes into focus with an uncanny grace. One of the highlights of the collection, “Floating” offers up a string section that at times recalls the chamber pop of Lambchop’s stately body of work. A western twang comes into the mix on the ramshackle rhythms of “Scratches & Bridges”. By far the best track on the collection comes from the dreamy dazed atmosphere of “Hopeless Entrance” where Greg Jacquin strips the sound down to the essentials, allowing the guitar to simply float off into the heavens. Neatly ending the entirety of the collection is the radio edit of “Floating”.

“Hudson River” proves Greg Jacquin to be a tremendous master of his careful, with a keen ear for melody and an ability to weave an intersecting series of stories into a satisfying whole.

https://www.facebook.com/gregjacquinmusic1/

By Brian Mains - Skope

Greg Jacquin’s latest project Hudson River first emerges with a fairly unusual musical set-up. The instrumentation seems to take a little influence from various styles and genres, and fuse it all to create this sort of classical-folk-rock ambiance, upon which the leading artist’s voice and the storylines play out like emotional and mildly theatrical indie-rock anthems. The Station is the opener and offers all of this and more. The sound is chaotic and vibrant, yet you adjust to the development of progression throughout pretty quickly. The key melody is one that soon becomes familiar, as is the strength of a well written song. The final few moments really make certain it surrounds you in a memorable way.

Floating takes things in a far more delicate direction, a spacious aura unfolds – an acoustic guitar, a subtle shuffle for rhythm, a touch of strings to brighten up the outer edges. The vocal delivery is softer here, as is the finished soundscape in general, meaning you really focus in on the lyrics. The verses lead to a surprisingly hypnotic and quite melancholy or unsettled hook section, one that is once again really well written. The contrast between this and the surrounding verse sections works wonders.

The creative freedom of that instrumentation shows itself once again for On The Moorings. With this comes further imagery, clear-cut scene-setting, and an all-important personal touch that makes the whole thing feel very genuine and heartfelt. This song has a definite touch of country to it, though this is far from a single defining feature. Eclecticism reigns on these tracks and it leads to something distinctly characterful. Scratches & Bridges follows with an upbeat sense of hopefulness, complete with a horn section and a beat that sweeps your sorrows away.

Yesterdaze opens up with something of an epic, indie-orchestral vibe. The soundscape is beautiful, as is the melody and the delivery of this. In addition, the lyrics are short and concise, offering hypnotic imagery again and that necessary element of realness that is the personal, honest touch. This one works really well in creating around you a passionate and overwhelming moment of escapism. From the chord progression to the leading voice to the mix, everything hits with impact.

Hopeless Entrance showcases a notably more alternative approach to musicality and writing. The performance style reflects the sentiment suggested by the lyrics, making for something cleverly unusual and beautifully relevant to itself. The gentleness of the music and the performance comes through as captivating at this point within the project. The string mix of The Station comes afterwards and really re-energizes the room with that now-familiar chord progression and this magnetic meeting of instruments. As things grow the experience really reaches out to entrance you.

The EP comes to a close with the smooth and colourful radio-edit of Floating. The accessible subtly and softness lest you really get lost in the atmospheric ambiance of it all. The melody, the lyrics, the openness, the flicker of jazz piano alongside of the orchestral wall of lightness – there’s a comforting feeling of having been here before, as well as a newly fresh energy that is likely to last through a fair few future listens, and then some. The project is really interesting, to listen in full is the best way to truly get everything out of it. Well worth exploring.

Download the song via Bandcamp. Find & follow Greg Jacquin on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. - Stereo Stickman

New York State-based singer-songwriter Greg Jacquin can trace his roots back to the Hudson Valley. His early childhood helped shape his taste in music as he grew up spending a lot of time with his Cuban grandparents while also being influenced by music from the likes of the Beatles and Cat Stevens. The three different influences meant a wide variety of sounds to choose from. Taking those influences, Greg Jacquin has just recently created a new album of music. That album is appropriately entitled Hudson River.

Hudson River from Greg Jacquin begins with the track “The Station”. The track features a solid Folk-Rock base to the music created by a light guitar and a strong piano part. That base comes alive with the addition of a strong string arrangement that adds plenty of orchestration to the track. The resulting combination takes the underlying Folk-Rock feel of the track and makes it seem more like an Indie Rock track than Folk-Rock. The track’s lyrics find Jacquin looking for a reconnection from his past. Altogether, the track of “The Station” comes complete with a sound that feels ready-made for the radio.

The pace of the music slows down on the track “Floating”. On a track that feels as if it would have fit rather nicely with much of the music from the seventies, “Floating” features a much more relaxed feel than that of the previous track. The acoustic guitar is much more prominent on this track, which adds to the Folk flavor of the song. That Folk feel adds a lot to the emotional feel of the lyrics about reliving the past by driving through the area today. The addition of the strings on the track takes the reminiscent feel of the lyrics and turns it into more of a dream-like state.

Greg Jacquin’s new release continues with the track “On the Moorings”. With this track, Jacquin brings the energy level up a few notches. While the first two tracks, the songs are created with the guitar as the main instrument. On this track, it is the piano that takes center stage and the piano gives the track more energy than the previous songs. The resulting sound brings to mind a song that could have come from someone like Billy Joel.

The Hudson River release from Greg Jacquin changes directions nicely on the track “Scratches & Bridges”. While the earlier tracks contain a mainly laidback approach, the feel of this track sets itself apart from the rest of the release. The track finds a more energetic feel to the music as well as a horn section that replaces the string section that was so prevalent in the earlier songs. With the inclusion of the horns on the track as well as a stronger drive to the music itself, the “Scratches & Bridges” track feels like something that could have come from the band Chicago.

After one track of more upbeat music, Greg Jacquin brings the music back to a laidback approach with the next song on the release. With a rather appropriate title, “Yesterdaze” finds Greg Jacquin thinking back to earlier times, much like he did with the first track of “The Station”. But this time, the journey back in time is more of a personal one as he recollects things that happened in his life.

The initial tracks on the release come to an end with the song “Hopeless Entrance”. This track has more of an edgy feel to the music when compared to the rest of the release. The acoustic feel of the track is matched up with lyrics that have a rather familiar feel to them. As you listen to the lyrics and Jacquin’s delivery, you can almost imagine the song being done by Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins fame as the track has the progressive sound of the tracks contained within the Hudson River release.

While the Hudson River release comes complete with six original tunes, it also features two additional tracks that takes two of the songs and gives them extra time on the release. The stronger of the two additional tracks is the song that began the album, “The Station”. Like the original track, the second version, entitled “The Station (String Mix),” takes the feel of the original version and strips away everything except Jacquin’s vocals, guitar and the strings in the background. The result is a track where the strings which used to be part of the background have now been moved more to the forefront. This allows the beauty of the strings to shine while giving the track an even more relaxed feel to it.

The Hudson River album from Greg Jacquin is a solid release that anyone who enjoys Folk-Rock and /or Indie Rock will thoroughly enjoy. The combination of the eight tracks create a release that is very easy to listen to and is the type of release that begs the listener to simply put the album on and just let it play out. And that is easy to do when there isn’t a weak track on the release. - Rock And Roll Report

There’s a lot of great music out there, and you won’t hear it all on the radio or find it in the music section of your local big box store. In fact, some of the best music can’t be found this way. If you love to listen to good music and enjoy music for music’s sake, reading my reviews is a good place to start.

I love when I get to find out about new music that I knew nothing about the day before a band or publicist sent the bio to my email asking if I’ll take some time to listen and maybe write a review. There are plenty of those emails that get ignored and go right into the trash folder, and then there are the ones that stand out and catch my ear. They make me remember why I love reviewing music.

This new collection of songs from Greg Jacquin is one of those emails that piqued my interest and made me take a close listen. When you start listening you can tell that this singer/songwriter is passionate about this music that he has made. You can also tell that he handpicked some of the best musicians to back him up. The songs on Jacquin’s new EP Hudson River tell stories and offer an excellent collection that is making me look forward to his full-length album that is expected to drop sometime in 2019.

Jacquin got his musical start in high school, but he took some time off to raise a family and work in the “real world.” Luckily, he made his way back to the music scene, and over the past ten years, he’s been working with all sorts of bands. Now he’s putting his own stuff out, and it’s worth a listen.

Inspired by the beauty of, and creatives in, Hudson Valley, Jacquin put heart and soul into the eight songs on Hudson River. They have a slight Americana feel to them, but I think I would call it more folk/pop/adult contemporary. - beat.media

Greg Jacquin - Hudson River

BANDCAMP: https://gregjacquin.bandcamp.com/album/hudson-river

Greg Jacquin’s musical story is about passion. Hailing from the Tarrytown, New York area, Jacquin grew up around his Cuban grandparents and artists like Cat Stevens and The Beatles freed his musical imagination and inspired him to play his stepfather’s guitar anytime he could. He followed that energy into high school when he began playing in bands and recorded a number of albums in the early nineties before stepping away from that world for a time. Jacquin began a family of his own and found a career in law enforcement. His eventual retirement from law enforcement and personal experiences eventually opened the door again for him to pursue a music career and he, once more, formed a band and songwriting partnerships with singer/songwriter/pianist Paul Griffin and guitarist Rich Berta. The six song EP Hudson River has emerged from this new chapter of Jacquin’s life and promises more in the future.

“The Station” opens the EP with a hint of desperation in its lyrics that Jacquin’s voice conveys quite well, without ever straining for credibility and the accompaniment includes an inventive string section. There’s a satisfying circular jangle to this tune many listeners will enjoy. There’s a variety of surprising instrumentation incorporated into the song like viola, cello, and violin, but none of it sounds out of place juxtaposed against Jacquin and Berta’s guitar lines. The instrumentation for “Floating” isn’t nearly as cluttered, but the continuing presence of violin in the song lends a melancholy richness to the song many will find rewarding. There’s a lot of introspection on Hudson River and this song is no exception. The third song, “On the Moorings”, revisits much of the sound we hear in the opener with a bevy of supporting vocalists who deepen the effects from Jacquin’s own singing. The imagery, from song to song, is quite strong and this track is no exception.

“Scratches & Bridges” features a wildly inventive arrangement dispensing with the violin and other assorted string instruments of earlier songs in favor of brass courtesy of trumpet player Antony Gach and saxophonist Joe Natale. It gives the song a sound unlike anything else on Hudson Valley. We’re back in more familiar musical territory for the fifth song “Yesterdaze” and the continuing theme of self-examination and even self-recrimination is given a more languid musical treatment than we heard with earlier tracks. By this point in the EP, it’s clear Jacquin engages in a lot of surveying of his own life with Hudson Valley, but the effect is never heavy handed. The finale “Hopeless Entrance” is as stripped down as Hudson Valley gets featuring Jacquin on vocals and guitar supported by backing vocalist and second guitarist Greg Connors. It’s on par, emotionally, with what’s come before and Jacquin delivers a vulnerable, aching vocal conveying every ounce of the doubt and pain laden throughout the lyrics. Hudson Valley is quite an impressive return to the “arena” for Greg Jacquin and his band’s anticipated full length, due in 2019, will undoubtedly prove to be one of the year’s most compelling indie releases.

Mindy McCall - No Depression

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. - Shock Ya

Greg Jacquin is a singer/songwriter who got his start in the 90s, playing in high school bands and then recording several albums. Much the way it goes for young music enthusiasts, Jacquin found himself pulled away from music to work and raise a family, but he’s back again. Living in Hudson Valley, he was once again musically inspired by the many creatives living in the area. For the past ten years, he has been working with many bands and recently decided to put his music out there once again.

Working with other talented musicians, Hudson River is a delightful collection of songs that border only a small amount on a country sound, leaning more toward folk and Americana. These songs have a strong singer/songwriter feel to them, pop with a blend of contemporary sounds even. Each song tells a story and gives you the feels. “While I was floating away” is a line from “Floating,” a song that makes you think and imagine life and how things seem to float by so quickly.

The eight songs on this album, which includes two radio edits, one for “Floating,” are a great taste of what you can expect from Jacquin’s full-length album that is expected in 2019.

What you’ll like the most on this five-star collection of inspiring and heartfelt songs about water, nature, and humanity, are the talented musicians backing each track and the vocals that sound amazing, with a little bit of gravel to them.

Give it a listen (and purchase it) at Bandcamp, https://gregjacquin.bandcamp. com/album/hudson-river. This romp through the Hudson River is brought to you by the good people of Whiplash Pr & Marketing, www.whiplashpr.com. - Side Stage Magazine

With a charming, wistful folk sound and a strong lyrical presence, Greg Jacquin and his band can expect an awful lot of critical acclaim when their new album, Clocks Slow Down, comes out next month. But few songs on the record are likely to land as firmly as 'Barry,' a lamentation for the America of a few years ago, when the leadership was aimed more at inspiration than demagoguery.

“I’ll admit I never had much use for politics," say Jacquin. "I got all my news mostly from Jon Stewart and 'The Daily Show.' Then a couple years ago everyone started paying attention, so I did too. A great president and leader stepped down and I watched as things changed. They changed so quickly. Then they put kids in cages at the border and when I heard a little girl crying, I wrote this song.”

You can stream Greg Jacquin's 'Barry' up above. His new album, Clocks Slow Down, comes out on Feb. 15, and he's got a couple of New York shows to celebrate the occasion. Look down below for a flyer and a couple of dates.

Greg Jacquin poster

15 January - Pianos; New York, NY
15 February - Rockwood Music Hall (Album Release Show); New York, NY - William Tomer

"When I was a kid my birthday parties were always canceled because of snow. I was born in January," says Greg Jacquin. The singer-songwriter has spent much of his life with music at its center, a steady marker amidst the turbulence. Born in Tarrytown and an active contributor to the Hudson River folk scene, the New York artist's plaintive Americana stylings blossom throughout "Time Again". The mournful track maintains a wistful sentiment as Jacquin looks back on the difficulties that his past has offered him, flourishing in an ebullient, roots-centric swirl of instrumentation paired beside his own captivating, subtle grit.

Jacquin continues, telling PopMatters, "I remember always being so disappointed when my mom told me that my friends weren't coming. So later in life, when my marriage fell apart, I was estranged from my kids, got injured on the job and suffered from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. I would remember that sad feeling that I got when I was a kid, and it snowed on birthday."

"Time Again" features on Jacquin and his band's newest collection of songs, entitled Clocks Slow Down. The album is set for release on 15 February. - JONATHAN FRAHM

Greg Jacquin and bandmates Paul Griffin (piano, keys, vocals), Rich Berta (guitar, vocals), Peter Wilson (drums) and Lalit Loomba (bass) recorded ‘Clocks Slow Down,’ a beautiful collection of eleven original songs due out February 15th. The album is a sprawling statement of sadness and hopelessness, pain and suffering, rebuilding and self-discovery, with a dash of politics and humor, too. This time around, Jacquin enlisted another impressive crew of musicians for the album, including Andrew Bordeaux on violin and guitar, Jim Keyes and organ and electric piano and Sarah Browne on vocals. The album was recorded by Fred Gillen Jr. (Pete Seeger) at Woody’s House in Croton, NY, and mastered by Scott Hull (John Zorn, Snarky Puppy, Loudon Wainwright III, Uncle Tupelo, Edie Brickell, Ani DiFranco) at Masterdisk. The album art is by Ian Felice (The Felice Brothers).

All songs were written by Jacquin, eliciting collaboration with a variety of artists and bandmates. “Store Policy” and “Time Again” saw Lalit Loomba & Jacquin team up in their writing process, “Coffee” was written by Greg Jannacone and Jacquin, “Too Hungry For Dinner” and “Highways & Hotels” was written by Paul Griffin.

TOUR DATES
01.15 – Pianos – New York, NY
02.15 – Rockwood Music Hall – New York, NY (LP Release Show)

Website- https://gregjacquinmusic.com

CLOCKS SLOW DOWN LP – TRACKLISTING

01. All These Strangers
02. Store Policy
03. Coffee
04. Too Hungry For Dinner
05. Time Again
06. What If I?
07. Higher
08. Barry
09. Jim Carrey
10. Hedgehog
11. Highways & Hotels

BIO

New York-based, indie-folk, singer-songwriter Greg Jacquin has spent much of his life writing and playing music. From singing and playing guitar as a little kid through writing his songs with his best friend and cousin in the 80s up to the present moment, Jacquin has been contributing to the rich music scene in New York’s Hudson Valley. Drawing on his own life experiences, the natural world, and politics, Jacquin is still out there pouring his heart and soul into every song he releases. His EP Hudson River was released to rave reviews in February 2018. After playing the new songs all over New York and the Hudson Valley for the past year, Greg was eager to get back into the studio in the summer of 2018.

Source- Tell All Your Friends PR - CW ROSS

Interview with Greg Jacquin – Clocks Slow Down
by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman February 1, 2019 12:25 pm
Tagged With: Americana, Folk, folk rock, indie folk, singer, songwriter

Greg Jacquin-Clocks Slow Down
Greg Jacquin and bandmates Paul Griffin (piano, keys, vocals), Rich Berta (guitar, vocals), Peter Wilson (drums) and Lalit Loomba (bass) recorded Clocks Slow Down, a beautiful collection of eleven original songs. The album is a sprawling statement of sadness and hopelessness, pain and suffering, rebuilding and self-discovery, with a dash of politics and humor, too. This time around, Jacquin enlisted another impressive crew of musicians for the album, including Andrew Bordeaux on violin and guitar, Jim Keyes and organ and electric piano and Sarah Browne on vocals. The album was recorded by Fred Gillen Jr. (Pete Seeger) at Woody’s House in Croton, NY, and mastered by Scott Hull (John Zorn, Snarky Puppy, Loudon Wainwright III, Uncle Tupelo, Edie Brickell, Ani DiFranco) at Masterdisk. The album art is by Ian Felice (The Felice Brothers).

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Greg about his latest project, motivations, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.


Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from New York. I was born and grew up in the Hudson Valley just outside New York City. There has always been such an incredible music scene in this area with so many talented musicians who live or have lived here. From Rufus Wainwright to The Felice Brothers. I write indie folk, alt country music inspired by Uncle Tupelo, The Jayhawks and The Avett Brothers. My songs can tend to be sad because I suffer from depression and writing songs is a way for me to deal with my depression.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I started playing music when I was very young. Back then it was a fun way to hang out with my friends and show off in front of the girls. We played Van Halen, Poison covers and even some originals. Unfortunately we focused on hair and wardrobe more than the music so it didn’t last. I decided to take a break from music and focused on a career and family. I never stopped writing songs and so when I went through some personal struggles my guitar once again became my best friend. I recorded and released my first real EP, Hudson River Feb 2018 and I’m planning to release my LP feb 2019. I love playing these songs in front of people and feeling the connection that they have with the lyrics. When someone comes up to me after my set and tells me that they been through traumatic experiences or suffer from depression and that they love my songs and they can relate to the words and the emotion. That connection with people motivates me to keep going.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This release is different from the last EP in that this time we kept the orchestration to a minimum. Last time we had a full string section and even horn on a song but this time we wanted to keep it more the “live band” sound. I also wrote a lot of the songs on “Clocks” in a short period of time just before recording or after recording had already begun. Fred Gillen Jr. at Woody’s house was such a pleasure to work with. We tracked the album and finished it well ahead of schedule and under budget. We were honored to have Andrew Bordeaux play violin and Sarah Browne sing background vocals and a duet.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

It’s hard to stand out these days as an indie musician because today with the internet anyone, anywhere can write a song and potentially get an audience of millions all around the world. It’s also pretty amazing that with the internet these days anyone, anywhere can write a song and potentially get an audience of millions all around the world. It does kind of suck that it doesn’t necessarily have to be based on talent or hard work anymore, it could just be because Kim Kardashian got paid to tweet about it.

What was the last song you listened to?

Sharon Van Etten – Comeback Kid

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I prefer vinyl but I do love the fact that I can now listen to any song I want in the amount of time it takes me to ask Siri or Alexa to “play Fiona Apple”.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I prefer Bandcamp because it gives that artist a fair share for their music. I appreciate Spotify because that seems to be what “the kids” are using these days and I’ve used Apple Music because I sold my soul to Apple years ago.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

www.gregjacquinmusic.com

Anything else before we sign off?

We’ll be having our release show and party at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC on Feb 15, 2019 and then I’m heading out on the road for my first solo tour. Come say hello when I come to a town near you. -Greg - Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman

Not only is it a day of love, but it’s also a day of new music. Tomorrow New York-based, indie-folk, singer-songwriter Greg Jacquin will release his new album, Clocks Slow Down. Well, we’re giving you an early listen to the album in its entirety just mere hours before it arrives everywhere. Recorded at Woody’s House in Croton, New York, the album is a sometimes somber meditation on pain, suffering, and self-discovery. Add a little politics and humor, and you have yourself an album. Check it out below!

"Every time we drove down the gravel driveway that led to the old barn, that is Woody’s House Recording Studio in Croton-On-Hudson, NY, we all knew that we were making something special. Because listening to music should make you feel something. It should take you somewhere and it should make you laugh or cry. We poured our hearts & souls into this album and can’t wait to share it with the world. And I mean, who doesn’t love Jim Carrey?!” - Earbuddy NK

Greg Jacquin and bandmates Paul Griffin (piano, keys, vocals), Rich Berta (guitar, vocals), Peter Wilson (drums) and Lalit Loomba (bass) recorded ‘Clocks Slow Down,’ a beautiful collection of eleven original songs due out February 15th. The album is a sprawling statement of sadness and hopelessness, pain and suffering, rebuilding and self-discovery, with a dash of politics and humor, too. This time around, Jacquin enlisted another impressive crew of musicians for the album, including Andrew Bordeaux on violin and guitar, Jim Keyes and organ and electric piano and Sarah Browne on vocals. The album was recorded by Fred Gillen Jr. (Pete Seeger) at Woody’s House in Croton, NY, and mastered by Scott Hull (John Zorn, Snarky Puppy, Loudon Wainwright III, Uncle Tupelo, Edie Brickell, Ani DiFranco) at Masterdisk. The album art is by Ian Felice (The Felice Brothers).

All songs were written by Jacquin, eliciting collaboration with a variety of artists and bandmates. “Store Policy” and “Time Again” saw Lalit Loomba & Jacquin team up in their writing process, “Coffee” was written by Greg Jannacone and Jacquin, “Too Hungry For Dinner” and “Highways & Hotels” was written by Paul Griffin. - CW ROSS CW's Place

"When I was a kid my birthday parties were always canceled because of snow. I was born in January," says Greg Jacquin. The singer-songwriter has spent much of his life with music at its center, a steady marker amidst the turbulence. Born in Tarrytown and an active contributor to the Hudson River folk scene, the New York artist's plaintive Americana stylings blossom throughout "Time Again". The mournful track maintains a wistful sentiment as Jacquin looks back on the difficulties that his past has offered him, flourishing in an ebullient, roots-centric swirl of instrumentation paired beside his own captivating, subtle grit.

Jacquin continues, telling PopMatters, "I remember always being so disappointed when my mom told me that my friends weren't coming. So later in life, when my marriage fell apart, I was estranged from my kids, got injured on the job and suffered from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. I would remember that sad feeling that I got when I was a kid, and it snowed on birthday."

"Time Again" features on Jacquin and his band's newest collection of songs, entitled Clocks Slow Down. The album is set for release on 15 February. - Pop Matters JONATHAN FRAHM

The New York folk artist has a new album, Clocks Slow Down, due out Feb. 15 with a charming, wistful folk sound and a strong lyrical presence, Greg Jacquin and his band can expect an awful lot of critical acclaim when their new album, Clocks Slow Down, comes out next month. But few songs on the record are likely to land as firmly as 'Barry,' a lamentation for the America of a few years ago, when the leadership was aimed more at inspiration than demagoguery.

“I’ll admit I never had much use for politics," say Jacquin. "I got all my news mostly from Jon Stewart and 'The Daily Show.' Then a couple years ago everyone started paying attention, so I did too. A great president and leader stepped down and I watched as things changed. They changed so quickly. Then they put kids in cages at the border and when I heard a little girl crying, I wrote this song.”

You can stream Greg Jacquin's 'Barry' up above. His new album, Clocks Slow Down, comes out on Feb. 15, and he's got a couple of New York shows to celebrate the occasion. Look down below for a flyer and a couple of dates. - William Tomer - The 405

Music Review //
Greg Jacquin
"Clocks Slow Down"

https://gregjacquin.bandcamp.com/album/clocks-slow-down //

"Clocks Slow Down" is an album that can play a trick on your ears the first time that you hear it. When it first starts, and the first time I listened to it, I thought it had this Americana sound to it. Through the first few songs, it had this feeling of country but not like Garth Brooks. It was a little of that Wallflowers / Eels feelings as the organs came in. There is a sadness, a desperation to the melodies as well, which falls in line with it being country. The third song- "Coffee" has strings and it sounds closer to Tom Waits and Bob Dylan and then as the pianos come out on the fourth song all I can hear is the blues.

It's odd how I had this pegged, at first, as being Americana/country and then after listening to it all the way through a few times, I don't hear those sounds as much anymore. I mostly just hear this as some sort of blues rock. "Higher, for example, has that Tom Petty / Eric Clapton feel to it. Overall, for reasons I can't quite explain, I also get a strong Counting Crows vibe from Greg Jacquin. It may or may not be because of the song called "Time Again".

The guitar work on this is exceptional. It's not one of those albums where the guitar shows off with a lot of solos, like "Look what I can do!" but it is back there adding to the songs and it has its part to play but it does it so well-- it's not easy to have the guitar become one with the other instruments yet be so powerful. It's a balance not everyone can find but you will hear it in these songs and so you should take some time to appreciate it.

Many of the songs have lyrics based on the titles, so if you read the title you can kind of gather what the song might be about. "Story Policy", for example, does have a line in it about how if you break it you buy it. "Barry" is a song about Obama and not to offend anyone who has done this, but I'd so much rather hear someone sing about how much they miss Barry, as this song does, than hear songs that are anti-Trump. It's more about casting positivity I suppose and not giving that other guy attention since he seems to seek it more than anything else.

"Jim Carrey" is a dreamy song that says "I want to marry / Someone like Jim Carrey". I understand how one might think that it'd be great to marry Jim Carrey- and I'm not denying anyone that- but one of the reasons for this is that Jim Carrey is funny, which is true, but sometimes these funny people are also the most troubled. I call into point Robin Williams. I worked at this job once and a woman told me she liked me because I was always smiling. I didn't realize until that moment in my life it was because I use that as a mask, you know, appear fine on the outside so no one knows what's going on inside. Maybe it's not every comedian, but tread with caution.

The song called "Jim Carrey" is followed by a song called "Hedgehog", which is not about Sonic (perhaps the most famous hedgehog) but I do find the fact that these two songs are back to back interesting because of that Sonic the Hedgehog movie they're making and, yes, Jim Carrey is in it. "Highways & Hotels" ends this album with that feeling of being on the road, like Bob Seger, and this is just one of the albums which can find the beauty in every day life (and Jim Carrey) and so if you live life every day you will be able to relate to this. The sound seemed to fool me, but I still enjoy it and think it's not overly any genre but that combination of a few which will appeal to most everybody. - Raised By Gypsies Joshua Macala