Jacaranda

Josh Garrels (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Small Voice
• ASIN: B001FZB2VK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,067 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

On Jacaranda, his third album, Garrels simply does what he s done before, but better. At heart a gentle folkie, Garrels picks his guitar (and what sounds like the charango, although the instrumental credits don t tell), and sings his contemplative, mystical songs. His subjects the wonders of the natural world, the still, small voice of God, the sorrows and joys of life on a fallen, dazzling planet call to mind a young Bruce Cockburn, drunk on beauty, ripped apart by injustice and casual indifference. They are complex, nuanced, and lovely. The two instrumentals that bookend the album set the tone: pastoral, quiet, soft enough to allow room for the chirp of crickets and the song of birds. In between the music shimmers and shines and continually escapes easy categorization; a straightforward folkie ballad here, a neo-soul workout with a hint of electronica there, a reggae-tinged spiritual lament here, a Peruvian cumbia there, with a choir of the angelic host breaking in occasionally just to mix things up. Garrels voice is wondrously supple throughout, and it s a joy to listen to him soar into a pure, soulful falsetto. He sings about the birth of a child, the funeral of a loved one, the desert fathers of the early Church, the exploitation of the poor, the soul-crushing demands of the drab and routine, the subtle joys of walking by faith in the darkness. It s a kaleidoscope of an album, every pattern reflecting an unseen but loving hand. --Andy Whitman - Chief Editor for Paste Magazine

Product Description

A kaleidoscope of sound! From haunting melodic instrumentals to thickly layered beats & compositions, this album has something for everyone. Storytelling of a journey through new life, loss, and embarkation into the great beyond.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Josh does it again with his creativity!, January 3, 2009

By 

William M. Thames IV (daytona bch, fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jacaranda (MP3 Download)

Josh happens to be a friend of mine. I say this because I have met him and hung out for a while after concerts he has sacrificed his time and energy for, for a greater cause.He makes you feel like a best friend. His older material is raw and amazing. Now he has polished just enough to strengthen his folk and hip hop roots.
This album is beautiful and has been created by an amazing human being for God and his children.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, June 26, 2009

By 

J. Metcalf (East coast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jacaranda (Audio CD)

This album is amazing. Poetic, creative, talented, fresh, genuine, and I could go on and on. New sound and excellent vocals. One of those albums you may just never tire of.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Josh Garrel's shines, February 17, 2009

By 

bcnewton50 "bcnewton50" (NC USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jacaranda (Audio CD)

Josh Garrel's newest cd is refreshing and unique. As one who listens to a good bit of Christian music, Josh's "style" and lyrics take me to a deeper place. I have been looking for something different than what is played on many of the Christian radio stations (not a criticism). Josh offers something that brings a new message that needs to be heard and a style of music that is heartfelt. I highly recommend his newest work.