Three Flights From Alto Nido

Greg Laswell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 8, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vanguard Records
• ASIN: B00195FU4Q
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,722 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Pointing out that alto nido translates from the Spanish as high nest, Laswell explains that Three flights up implies that you re on your way to a high nest, even if you re not quite there yet. Whereas Through Toledo was intimate and autobiographical for the most part, the EP reflected the transitional time of coming out of it, Laswell explains. With this album, I wanted to do something really big sounding a little bit bigger than I am, really. In a sense, the album was shaped around the fact that 2007 was a difficult and strange year for just about all of my friends and family members.

With his elegantly expressive piano technique and feathery acoustic guitar work, Greg has drawn comparisons to such reputable songsmiths as Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Ron Sexsmith and Radiohead. His intense lyrics and sweeping melodies amplify to create an eloquent sound that matches his hypnotic and haunting tenor.

As with his prior Vanguard releases, Three Flights From Alto Nido was written, recorded and produced at his home studios in San Diego, Dana Point and Santa Ana, CA. The task of mixing the album was placed in the hands of Greg Collins who has mixed, produced and/or engineered tracks for Grammy winners U2, Joss Stone and the Dixie Chicks as well as many other notable acts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Expressive and compelling: piano, guitar, Laswell's voice, August 17, 2008

By 

love books and music (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Three Flights From Alto Nido (Audio CD)

This CD improves with repeated listening. Several pieces tend to begin quiety then increase to a larger sound. I like it better every time I play it. The pieces definitely pick up towards the end, from track 7 -10 particularly. Singer/songwriter Laswell plays piano, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonium, bells, organ and bass -- variety of talents, huh?

Tracks:
1 -- It's been a year: mellow acoustic guitar 7/10
2 -- That it moves: has a radio play sound, many instruments with some sweeping melodies 8/10
3 -- The one I love: Reflective lyrics with slow, driving melody 8/10
4 -- Comes and goes: gentle acoustic guitar, piano mixed in, love the lyrics (this one's for the lonely/the ones that seek and find/only to be let down/time after time/this one's for the torn down/the experts at the fall/common friends get up now/you're not alone at all...)Molly Jenson accompanies Greg's yearning tenor in a soulful mix 9/10
5 -- How the day sounds: syncopated piano chords opening, has a ColdPlay sound to it 8/10
6 -- Sweet Dream: some strings accompany his voice, gentle piece, quite short 8/10
7 -- Days go on: faster, driving rhythms, hypnotic song 9/10
8 -- I'd be lying: one of the longer pieces at 4:45, swells to a haunting chorus 9/10
9 -- Farewell: piano, guitar, banjo w/background Molly Jenson 9/10
10 -- Not out: my favorite!! soothing lyrics and music to start then at 2:34 mark builds into a fine, sexy sound 10/10
11 -- And then you: melancholy, simple guitar with piano 8/10
12 -- (hidden track)That it moves: acoustic version 7/10

If these tracks sound vaguely familiar it may be because some of Greg's music is on tv soundtracks such as Grey's Anatomy and One Tree Hill. Many of the songs have an intimate, brooding quality that indie rock enthusiasts will enjoy.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars so good., June 24, 2009

By 

kidfortoday37 (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Three Flights from Alto Nido (MP3 Download)

Ok. So.

Greg Laswell is amazing-ness. His last record blew me away and was on repeat for about 2 months. This album delivers the same response but at a slightly higher level. His lyrics just know how to describe exactly what you can't and his harmonies hook you into a more beautiful world.

I can't believe they are selling "genius" for $1.99. It's like a gift for the summer. "Sorry you lost your job, but here...now you have more time to listen to beauty at the beach."

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'd Be Lying, July 9, 2008

By 

Rachel Morris "heartbeatinthis" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Three Flights From Alto Nido (Audio CD)

Greg Laswell has made my days brighter and more brilliant. He is every kind of good any one has claimed him to be and then some. Three Flights has proven to be a collection of music that music should be. Each track sparkles like the gem it is. Greg knows how to give the entire package, gifting us with his accessible and smart lyrics and melodies. Unpretentious and endearing. Inspiring and Refreshing. Brooding and sweet. His spring ep release of "How the Day Sounds" EP was all too exciting, and Three Flights From Alto Nido is more than just a bonus. I can't even describe how unprepared I was for "I'd Be Lying." And I'd be lying if I told you you this album isn't magical. The same goes for hearing his music live. A witty, gentle, soulful man. Obviously, I'm a huge fan of honest music. But, of all the music I'm so fortunate to experience, Greg's is at the top. A gift! Happy listening and living.