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Vin Downes: Press

Waves Like Thoughts

 

I was in the perfect place and time to listen to when the sea lets go by the remarkable guitarist Vin Downes. I was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on the Island of Hawaii where I know there is magic being born every day just like the lava that flows from Kilauea. Downes is the master of contemporary guitar music and his ten tracks offer up nascent beauty that defines the genre. Although each track features a different theme, the body of work is cohesive in the sense that the tracks segue seamlessly into a story that is as fluid and as vast as the subject. There are no briny ditties here, just a flow of pensive and placid compositions that open the pores of the mind and allow freestyle dreaming to take place. I loved every track. 


All the tracks and titles are in lower case letters. The first cut is entwined and lost. It is a passionate overture, one that invites the listener to prepare for an extraordinary journey of the soul. But be warned, this foray is not without its tribulations. There will be sadness. There will be confusion. But there will also be joy.

The next track is called evening in berkley and it is my favorite of the ten. There is a something tenuous, yet introspective hidden in the melody. It is perhaps a wonderful memory that keeps you going, but it is never very clear at what point it became reality.

I was just treated to a spectacular sunrise and of course, morning red was playing. Never was music more appropriate to this Hawaiian dawn as the sky burned with copper, red and yellow. The green line of foliage against the mauve morning sky was a miracle unto itself. It turned out to be a pretty good day.

Another favorite on "when the sea lets go" is called dust and drag. This one of the few instrumentals featuring another player and it this case it is legendary bassist Michael Manring that infuses a sculptural bass accompaniment that adds body and soul into the fray.

I thought that just before you go would have been a pleading, but not so. It was a gentle reminder that I was actually on the road in my concept of paradise. I tried to commit the landscape to memory, knowing I might not come back any time soon. The peace and serenity of Vin's tune connected perfectly with my tranquil mood. It reminded me that we are just mortal, but emotions are gifts not to be taken lightly.

As I listened to the title tune, as the sea lets go, I was driving along the Kona coast. The music made me pause. I parked and walked along the old pier to commiserate with the waves, if even from a distance. How many secrets are hidden among the waves? How many journeys have taken place, whether by choice or circumstances over this vast distance of water? What new worlds can be found across these salty plains of ocean even today? This tune was clearly another favorite on the album and I played it endlessly.

The mid-tempo ballad the right words are simple was a remarkable tune. The flowing melody brought smiles to my face and heart as the music echoed a sense of heartease, a word I do not use lightly. Things are right with the world if only a bit of risk is taken. All we need do is try.

Emotion and creativity meet like graceful ships on a friendly ocean on Vin Downes' "when the sea lets go". Downes finely tuned guitar work combined with his passion for perfection make this an incredible recording that is as timeless as it is thoughtful. His collection of highly refined tracks are enjoyable any time or any place, but they all share a unique sense of the introspective voyage. I give this a ranking I have never given before, that of Most Excellent, for it is one of the finest works I have ever heard.


Sometimes in life there is a moment in time that you wish would never end, something so beautiful and calming comes in and changes everything, that moment is here for me right now in the guise of Vin Downes and his latest release entitled, When The Sea Lets Go.
I have been a fan of Vin’s music ever since I came across the superb Unlike the Stars. As a guitarist myself, listening to his performance gives me something to aspire to. The opening piece to this tranquil album is called Entwined and Lost; it’s a melodic track that seems to weave its way around your mind in a repeating pattern of pure ambience.
On Evening In Berkeley we have one of those moments that perhaps could be described as halcyon, Downes smooth and mood filled guitar reaches the depths of a sunset so peace filled and calming, you simply just want this blissful experience to never end, its six minutes of pure musical magic.
Recorded and produced in the Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont under the watchful eye of the legend that is Will Ackerman, Downes has put together something quite breath-taking and beautiful, very much like this next offering called Morning Red. Here Downes brings to the table a light but more up-tempo offering, that has a real sun kissed feel to its manifestation. The fluency on guitar here by the artist is really something to be utterly enjoyed.
The gentle and picturesque track Dust and Drag is up next, this is a delight to just flow with, and the smooth and harmonic sense of bliss here is just what’s needed. The rhythm and melody are utterly charming and very addictive. I can imagine I will be whistling this one while I take my coastal walk tomorrow, this track also features some quite delicious bass, provided by non-other than Michael Manring.
At the half way juncture we come across a sensitive piece called Just Before You Leave. Here Downes creates some wonderful narrative, that is quite emotive in its construction, while the track has a slight mournful resonance, it also seems to contain a balancing of energies, with some deep felt moments of memory, created with such a delicate level of tenderness, I guarantee this one will move you.
On Everything Ahead we are really in Windham Hill territory and within this piece one can feel a certain sense of movement, it’s as if we’re travelling down a country road, with the windows open with the warm summer wind across our faces. This is one of those feel good pieces that you won’t fail to like.
The title track is next, When The Sea Lets Go, this is sublime. I live near an ocean, so I can tell you that the movement and tones fit perfectly. The subtle but ever flowing tempo and style is not only creative but both memorable and quite moving in parts as well. In my opinion Downes has completely excelled with his title heading composition, and this is also my favourite offering off the album.
We have found our way into the deeper waters of this release constant reader, and as we slowly oar our musical boat around the river bend, we come across a lovely track filled with a colour and warmth that makes it even more expressive, this one is called Streets Of Sunday. I am old enough to remember the time before the all-encompassing ills of endless consumerisation; I used to love to walk out on a sunny Sunday morning with the tranquil hum of the day all around me, the sounds of birdsong, and the wind blowing silently in the trees, all perfectly described in music by Vin Downes.
Well this is the penultimate piece off the album, dear listener of stylish music, and at this crossroads of musical bliss you will find a sign saying, The Right Words Are Simple. Once more the artist is in the flow, Downes artistry is really evident here in this classy composition, we can indeed be mesmerised by its charm filled tones and construction.
That sad moment has arrived, and our journey with Vin Downes is now nearly over, but wait, before you leave, take this musical gift along with you, it’s called All You Left Behind. You have to listen to the skill set used here by the musician, the chords and notes are so steeped in wisdom and passion. We end this truly magnificent album in a moment of sublime reflection, what a brilliant end to a brilliant release.
When The Sea Lets Go is an experience that you must not miss, it’s a musical pathway that you must allow yourself to bathe in. I have heard many acoustic based guitar albums in my years as a writer and broadcaster, but this release has to be one of the warmest, most welcoming and cleverly performed for quite some time, you must grasp a copy of this album as quick as possible.

Vin Downes presents his own unique brand of acoustic guitar finger picking on When The Sea Lets Go. If you are guitar fan of any flavor or pace there is something to enjoy on this recording.

 In my estimation being a talented musician is a god given gift that needs to be shared. And how lucky are we as music fans to be receiving that gift every day. Well, that is if we choose to accept it daily. I certainly do and being one of the more fortunate souls to have an abundance of it at my disposal, and quite a variety no less.

 So, where am I going with this? It is artists like Vin Downes that can illustrate the simplicities and complexities of one acoustic instrument in one track. He does it consistently throughout except for “Dust and Drag” where he is accompanied by the sound of Michael Manring’s bass. You know it is him as soon as you hear it. And then there is “Streets of Sunday” where Tom Eaton joins in on the piano.

 It was kismet that Vin ended up having the production team of Ackerman and Eaton on his recording. The first time he heard the finger picking style on Ackerman’s Windham Hill Records Sampler (which I used to discover new artists on all the time), he put down the electric guitar. We all benefited from that decision. After hearing When The Sea Lets Go it is quite likely you will agree.

 This is scenic and deeply relaxing music that has a rhythmic flow and tone. It is a solid and consistently strong release that puts the spotlight not only on the creator but the style of guitar playing he presents. Vin Downes is a fine representative of this genre of music and style. He has so much respect from the music community and his peers that will be performing at the 2017 ZMR Music Award Concert in New Orleans on May 13th. This is a well-deserved honor and validation of his talent and presence he now commands in the recording industry.

 Listening to When The Sea Lets Go is all the proof you will need however the accolades and honors will most certainly keep coming for an innovative and technically astute musician such as Vin Downes. This album is one example of many that you will hear in the years to come and I am willing to bet they all will be progressively different.

 4/5 Stars

Vin Downes
when the sea lets go
Riverwide Records

 

Waves Like Thoughts...

I was in the perfect place and time to listen to when the sea lets go by the remarkable guitarist Vin Downes. I was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on the Island of Hawaii where I know there is magic being born every day just like the lava that flows from Kilauea. Downes is the master of contemporary guitar music and his ten tracks offer up nascent beauty that defines the genre. Although each track features a different theme, the body of work is cohesive in the sense that the tracks segue seamlessly into a story that is as fluid and as vast as the subject. There are no briny ditties here, just a flow of pensive and placid compositions that open the pores of the mind and allow freestyle dreaming to take place. I loved every track.  

All the tracks and titles are in lower case letters. The first cut is entwined and lost. It is a passionate overture, one that invites the listener to prepare for an extraordinary journey of the soul. But be warned, this foray is not without its tribulations. There will be sadness. There will be confusion. But there will also be joy.

 The next track is called evening in berkley and it is my favorite of the ten. There is a something tenuous, yet introspective hidden in the melody. It is perhaps a wonderful memory that keeps you going, but it is never very clear at what point it became reality.

 I was just treated to a spectacular sunrise and of course, morning red was playing. Never was music more appropriate to this Hawaiian dawn as the sky burned with copper, red and yellow. The green line of foliage against the mauve morning sky was a miracle unto itself. It turned out to be a pretty good day.

 Another favorite on when the sea lets go is called dust and drag. This one of the few instrumentals featuring another player and it this case it is legendary bassist Michael Manring that infuses a sculptural bass accompaniment that adds body and soul into the fray.

 I thought that just before you go would have been a pleading, but not so. It was a gentle reminder that I was actually on the road in my concept of paradise. I tried to commit the landscape to memory, knowing I might not come back any time soon. The peace and serenity of Vin’s tune connected perfectly with my tranquil mood. It reminded me that we are just mortal, but emotions are gifts not to be taken lightly.

As I listened to the title tune, as the sea lets go, I was driving along the Kona coast. The music made me pause. I parked and walked along the old pier to commiserate with the waves, if even from a distance. How many secrets are hidden among the waves? How many journeys have taken place, whether by choice or circumstances over this vast distance of water? What new worlds can be found across these salty plains of ocean even today? This tune was clearly another favorite on the album and I played it endlessly.

 The mid-tempo ballad the right words are simple was a remarkable tune. The flowing melody brought smiles to my face and heart as the music echoed a sense of heartease, a word I do not use lightly. Things are right with the world if only a bit of risk is taken. All we need do is try.

Emotion and creativity meet like graceful ships on a friendly ocean on Vin Downes’ when the sea lets go.  Downes finely tuned guitar work combined with his passion for perfection make this an incredible recording that is as timeless as it is thoughtful. His collection of highly refined tracks are enjoyable any time or any place, but they all share a unique sense of the introspective voyage.  I give this a rating I have never given before, that of Most Excellent, for it is one of the finest works I have ever heard.

~ R. J. Lannan

Vin Downes is one of the finest guitarists who I’ve had the pleasure of working with in my 40 year career as a producer. A brilliant player, Vin’s compositions are captivating and instantly memorable. Even more importantly to me, his pieces are emotionally evocative and connect on a very deep level with us as listeners. In encountering his latest recording, When The Sea Lets Go (a recording I co-produced with Tom Eaton), you will be listening to one of the great talents in today’s already rich guitar community.

 

Will Ackerman - Grammy Award Winning Producer

Will Ackerman - (Jan 26, 2017)

Journeyscapes Radio Reviews When the Sea Lets Go

 

Guitarist Vin Downes’ latest release, titled When the Sea Lets Go, was recorded at Imaginary Road Studios in beautiful Vermont. Produced by guitarist and Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman, along with multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer Tom Eaton, the album is comprised of ten lovely acoustic compositions recorded on steel-string guitar, which overall convey the signature essence of classic Windham Hill recordings by the likes of Will Ackerman, Michael Hedges and Alex de Grassi. 

“Entwined and Lost” is a gentle opener that paints a scenic landscape of solitude, as it likewise conveys a comfortingly warm and down-to-earth feel. Vin’s guitar-playing style is at once detailed and intricate, yet perfectly understated and overall low-key, as he imparts a smoothly flowing and velvety touch throughout the compositions. The third track, “Morning Red”, is a comparatively brighter and quicker-paced tune that gently uplifts the spirits, as it brings to mind that of peering out on a terrace while an early sunshine pours through the colorful leaves of towering trees. On the fourth track, “Dust and Drag”, Michael Manring’s bass guitar enters at about the halfway mark, as it seemingly forms a dancing pair with Vin’s guitar for a few moments before exiting the stage. The fifth track, “Everything Ahead”, is one of the most upbeat compositions on the album, imparting subtle overtones of Americana. It’s easy to imagine driving into the sunset while listening to this seemingly carefree yet contemplative piece, letting go of all stresses and worries. The title-piece and seventh track, “When the Sea Lets Go”, is one of the most melodically beautiful and emotive compositions on the album, in which an atmosphere of evening is conveyed, perhaps while standing alone by the seashore. A hint of sunlight peers through on the lovely eighth track, “Streets of Sunday”, in which a delicate piano melody courtesy of Tom Eaton enters towards the end of the piece in just the perfect timing, as it gently drifts and twirls around the centerpiece. A few of the album’s song titles especially leave one with the intriguing impression of wondering what their story might be, as they seem to have captured a brief but lingering moment in time. Among these are the fifth and ninth tracks, respectively titled “Just Before You Leave” and “The Right Words are Simple”, as well as the lulling final piece, “All You Left Behind”.

A most comforting album of solitude and reflection, When the Sea Lets Go is one of the loveliest acoustic guitar recordings that I’ve heard recently, as well as a particularly suitable companion for reading, writing, reflection and remembrance. Vin Downes possesses a supremely beautiful guitar-playing style that boasts constant fluidity and subtle intricacy, as he creates a warmly intimate, personal and enveloping soundscape throughout. A fantastic album that is rather simple without a grand display of bells and whistles, Vin has decidedly taken a less-is-more approach here, which in this case works to absolute perfection! ~Candice Michelle

Serge Kozlovsky reviews When the Sea Lets Go


These very simple at first look and at the same time strong guitar chords capture the listener’s heart from the first seconds. The music of Vin Downes is very thoughtful and sincere. It penetrates into the deep corners of your soul and arouses most sweet memories. This music releases hidden emotions and washes your heart with warm Summer rain.

 The meditative guitar of Vin Downes gently leads you and gives you a perspective to see the world as it exists, and to feel all its beauty. And you can, also, easily sense the beauty of your own heart.

 The guitar playing of Vin Downes has several very important features. It is filled with inner freedom. And this music wakes up your mind and excites a very wide range of emotions. All compositions of the gifted artist are full of life and they gently push you to start your personal travel to the unknown. Who knows what will happen with you on the path, but you definitely won’t be the same after this gripping journey…

 I’d like to add only a few about the album “When the Sea Lets Go”. Vin Downes is a brilliant guitarist and his musical messages have amazing clearness and purity.

The album “When the Sea Lets Go” was produced by Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton and the sound design of this project is beyond praise. You can easily listen to each simple note. You are able to perceive the thinnest nuances of the diverse guitar of Vin Downes, who is really a superb artist. 

I am sure the newest release of Vin Downes will be one of the brightest events of the new year. Listen to this refined music and just look inside. You’ll see where the beauty of this world is hidden. Now is the time to feel it, now is the very right moment to return this beauty back to our world. It needs your actions…

Serge Kozlovsky

http://sergekozlovsky.com

Serge Kozlovsky - (Jan 5, 2017)

Kathy Parsons at Mainly Piano reviews When the Sea Lets Go.


When the Sea Lets Go is the fourth album from guitarist/composer Vin Downes. Eight of the ten tracks are solo acoustic guitar; one features Tom Eaton on piano, and one features Michael Manring on bass. This is the second of Downes’ albums that has been produced by Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton at Imaginary Road Studios; Eaton also recorded, mixed, and mastered the album. Downes’ hypnotic music gently soothes and relaxes with the peaceful ebb and flow of ocean waves. Nuance and subtlety are very much a part of his playing style, proving once again that “less is more.” His masterful guitar playing and composing come from the heart and express far more than words can ever say.

Downes began studying the guitar at the age of eleven, later earning a degree in classical guitar performance and music education from William Paterson University. While in college, he studied classical composition and had several of his compositions performed by soloists and ensembles. Downes has recorded and performed with a variety of musicians and is a public school teacher in New Jersey, teaching classical guitar at Bayonne High School. 

When the Sea Lets Go begins with “Entwined and Lost,” an enchanting piece that is wistful and dreamy while demonstrating the exquisite beauty of solo acoustic guitar and Vin Downes’ soulful playing. “Evening in Berkeley” continues in quiet tones, describing a peaceful, blissful side of Berkeley I don’t think I’ve ever experienced (but would like to!). “Morning Red” ups the tempo a bit, expressing the anticipation and promise of a new day. “Dust and Drag” features legendary bassist Michael Manring, who adds his own special magic to this lovely piece. “Just Before You Go” is a favorite. Warm, melodic, and more than a little poignant, the emotions expressed are honest and heartfelt. “Everything Ahead” is a bit livelier, conveying a sense of optimism for the future. The title track is another favorite. Smooth and graceful, it reminds me of the mesmerizing effect of watching a sunset over a calm ocean. “Streets of Sunday” is mostly solo guitar, but Tom Eaton adds some piano near the end. Lazy and contented, it’s a reminder of what Sundays should feel like! “All You Left Behind” brings the album to a close, expressing deep emotion that really touches the heart. Beautifully melancholy and very sincere, this is my favorite piece on the album. 

When the Sea Lets Go is outstanding from the first note to the last. If you like solo acoustic guitar, this album is an absolute must! It is available from Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Very highly recommended!

 

CD Review – Unlike the Stars, by Vin Downes

Acoustic guitarist Vin Downes' third album is up for Best New Age Album in the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, and deservedly so.This is one of the best acoustic guitar albums out there; it flows beautifully from beginning to end, with nary a dud on the track list.

This is a testament to Downes' craftsmanship as a composer and his skill as a guitarist. Every chord and note is rapturous, and the sound is lush and luxurious thanks to the studio acumen of producer Will Ackerman and recording engineer Tom Eaton.

Grammy winner Ackerman contributes additional guitar to one track, with other guest turns throughout by bass impressario Tony Levin, cellist Eugene Friesen, and flutist David Watson. Friesen's cello and Watson's flutes blend very nicely with Downes' guitar, by the way.

 

This is more than just a great guitar record – this is great music, period.

 

--Raj Manoharan

Acoustic guitarist Vin Downes’ third release is his first collaboration with Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton at Imaginary Road Studios. Unlike the Stars will beguile the listener with its graceful, warm melodies and breezy acces­sibility. Downes possesses superb technique and artistic chops galore, but he doesn’t flaunt it. The music has an outdoorsy feel to it, and the CD would be a great traveling-down-country-highways disc: It has enough impetus and energy to blend with passing scenery but not so much drama to become intrusive to a pleasant, meandering mood while searching for adventure on the open road.

Bill Binkelman - Retailing Insight Magazine (Jun 11, 2014)

Here is a review of "Unlike the Stars" from One World Radio's Steve Sheppard.

http://www.zonemusicreporter.com/recording/viewreviews.asp?rvwbrdcmmt=1241

Here is the link to Bill Binkelman's review of "Unlike the Stars" for the Zone Music Reporter.

http://www.zonemusicreporter.com/recording/viewreviews.asp?rvwbrdcmmt=1245

There’s little more satisfying/comforting than well-played acoustic guitar, and Vin has this down pat, as ably evidenced by his opener, “Where I Began“… nice, nice, NICE!  The 13 tracks go quite well with a topped-off espresso, a set of bluetooth headphones and an hour or so to groove with him.  I particularly liked “Turning Years” for the relaxed vibe…. you won’t drop this from your playlists any time soon.  It was the mood on “Dark Blue Wind” that captured my vote for favorite, though… if totally focused & well-played guitar is what you’re yearning for, you’ll agree when I say that this comes MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.       ~ Rotcod Zzaj


It happened! A new bright star has lit up the sky of the new age and acoustic music genre. The transparent and multi-dimensional guitar tunes of Vin Downes touch the soul from the very first chords, and one wants to soar with these very emotional and impressive compositions.

You feel as if your entire room is filled with divine sounds of Vin Downes’ guitar. It speaks with you, it finds the response in the depths of your soul. The guitar of the artist has its own very expressive voice. And at the same time incredible easiness is felt in the music of Vin Downes.

“Unlike the Stars” was produced by Grammy Award winner Will Ackerman and co-produced, recorded and mixed by Tom Eaton at Imaginary Road Studios. Brilliant performers Will Ackerman, Tom Eaton, Eugene Friesen, Tony Levin and David Watson joined Vin Downes on this album. Their instrumental parts help elegantly to emphasize the distinct style of the skilfull guitarist.

What more can I say? My review comes to its end and I have to put a dot, but after that I’ll be listening to this amazing album one more and one more time… 

Serge Kozlovsky

http://sergekozlovsky.com

Here is a link to Michael Diamond's review of "Unlike the Stars" for the Zone Music Reporter.

http://www.zonemusicreporter.com/recording/viewreviews.asp?rvwbrdcmmt=1211

Michael Diamond - Zone Music Reporter (Apr 9, 2014)

 

New Review of "Unlike the Stars" by Jim Ellis at Astreaux World Radio. 
"Vin Downes has crafted a beautifully organic album with his latest offering, "Unlike The Stars". Every track is masterfully composed and resonates positively on its own -- sometimes introspective, sometimes outgoing, yet always articulately performed. This album is so very tasteful and musically refreshing that listeners will instantly recognize it as a 'new' classic." 
Jim Ellis
Astreaux World Radio / Promotions
http://astreauxworld.com

"Vin Downes has crafted a beautifully organic album with his latest offering, "Unlike The Stars". Every track is masterfully composed and resonates positively on its own -- sometimes introspective, sometimes outgoing, yet always articulately performed. This album is so very tasteful and musically refreshing that listeners will instantly recognize it as a 'new' classic." 

Jim Ellis

Astreaux World Radio / Promotions

 

 

Click the link below to read Kathy Parsons review of "unlike the stars" for www.MainlyPiano.com

http://www.mainlypiano.com/2014_Reviews/Downes-Unlike_the_Stars.html

Click the link below for Michael Diamond's review of "unlike the stars" on his website Music and Media Focus.

http://michaeldiamondmusic.com/2014/01/08/unlike-the-stars-by-vin-downes/

Click the link below to read Keith Hannaleck's review of "unlike the stars" at New Age Music Reviews.

http://newagemusicreviews.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/instrumental-guitar-review-vin-downes-unlike-the-stars/

"What Falls Away" CD Review ~

I loved this CD from the second I put it on. It is nine tracks of beautiful acoustic guitar music – all instrumental, all wonderful. I asked my daughter what she thought: "I like it," she said.

I asked my wife, who said, "It's great. Much better than that stuff you had on before." Basically, Vin Downes has made a winner. I think of it as great studying music, or the perfect music for settling down in the evening with a book. Each track is warm, mellow, and almost...friendly.

"What Falls Away" ~ CD Review

Short on length at only a bit more than 32 minutes, Vin Downes’ latest solo CD, "What Falls Away" nonetheless brings an enjoyable listening experience throughout its 9 tracks. Downes is a good fingerpicker, with a solid understanding of what makes a good song good. He keeps us anchored to the melody while exploring the aural dimensions that multiple fingers allow up and down the fretboard. We don’t get any modern techniques like two-handed tapping, just straight ahead fingerstyle guitar. The title cut "What Falls Away" is played on nylon string, a gentle dance that suggests what falls away may still have life. Maybe the most challenging piece on this CD is the contrapuntal "Under Sail and Star," with a deft mix of chord and sliding melodies. The longest cut is "Longfield and Cattails." Moving through the familiar A-B form, Downes calls and answers in various ways while returning us to the center of the melody. "Seeing Through" has some shades of early Chris Proctor playing and writing, a fine lyrical piece. The final cut "Running Fences" has some qualities of a rag, but breaks out of that style as the treble line undulates from phrase to phrase. While Downes won’t blow anyone away with mind-altering playing like a Tommy Emmanuel or Laurence Juber, "What Falls Away" is simply a CD of fine acoustic guitar music.

What Falls Away  ~

What Falls Away, the sophomore release from Vin Downes, is a personal and intimate recording. Listeners will hear maturity in Downes’ composition. Opening up even more from his previous release Skies and Openings, the pieces create an aural landscape and take the listener on a trip through each of the nine tracks. Each composition possesses its own unique imagery and tone. You ride along with melodies as simple and majestic as clouds rolling by in the sky forming works of art. Downes’ fingerstyle technique shines throughout. His playing is natural and never forced. Sparse, yet exact, production showcases the guitar and artist behind it.

The overall tone of the release is very upbeat; like remembering a fond memory and smiling about it. "Gathering Miles" and "Seeing Through" are prime examples of this quality. "Departures" and "What Falls Away" are melancholy at times but also leave the listener in a higher place. Other tracks, like "Under Sail and Star", transport you on a melodic journey. "Longfield and Cattail" provides the proof of Leo Kottke’s influence on Downes, who lists Kottke as well as Michael Hedges as inspiration. With What Falls Away, Downes shows that he has moved onto the innovation phase of his playing and composing from a place closer to his heart. The final track, "Running Fences", has child-like whimsy and closes the CD perfectly.

 

 

"What Falls Away" ~ CD

Vin Downes released a fine CD of original Fingerstyle compositions .Very beautifully recorded .Vin has a great touch. I don't know how long he has lived with these tunes, but he treats each one like an old best friend! Great work Vin !

Skies and Openings: Vin Downes
CD Review by Tim Little ~ Michigan Bluegrass Newsletter Association

 Let me start this CD review with a question. "If you had to plan for an important meeting tomorrow morning and needed some musical background which could enhance both your ability to focus and your ability to relax at will, to what would you listen? "

 I suspect that it would not be much of the music one encounters when surfing the FM dial these days. Contemporary pop music that comes out of the speakers seems too often to be generated by sharping and flatting singers warbling barely decipherable melodies...Not the stuff of music calculated to either enhance or to smooth the brain of the man on the street. .

 Enter the dramatically different instrumental world of Mr.Vin Downes. His new album entitled Skies and Openings slid into my auditory canals as a most pleasant surprise. Vin is a multi instrumentalist (guitar/ banjo/ ukulele) backed up on this album by highly talented musical co-conspirators on bass, drums, and violin.


 While the songs on the album are distinctly softer than the brash stuff that dominates today's airwaves, make no mistake. Vin's material is neither simple-minded easy listening nor boring elevator music. I discovered that I could listen to and absorb this fascinating album in at least two distinct ways.

[1] At one level Vin's compositions serve as the perfect complement to considered thought. Cramming for a final or preparing for a job interview would be a lot easier with Vin and company holding down the anxiety level and soothing the soul.

[2] Conversely, during a "study break" from topical concentration, one is strongly attracted to focus upon the superlative instrumental skills displayed by the Mr. Downes. It comes as a welcome relief from much of the daily guitar thrashing on air to discover what sounds can be teased out of the wood that goes into a fine acoustic guitar. After listening to many an over-produced album, it is also certainly refreshing to actually hear the very real sound of fingers sliding from fret to fret in the mix.

 Of the songs on the album, my two favorites are
So She Spins: A winsome laid back instrumental waltz that sent me into the realms of introspection.
Pen City Rag: Reminds me of some of Ry Cooder's material on the soundtrack of the movie The Long Riders. Real roots music.

 The album cover art is just that: art. Three shots of Vin with his guitar, a sunset shot with the song list superimposed, and a montage of the recording team in the studio. Simple design, but it fits well with the spareness of the music it encapsulates.
So visit vindownes.com, drop a little coin, throw a log on the fire and relax to Skies and Openings.

Timothy H. Little
1991 Rutgers Circle
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
517-337-1517

timlittl@msu.edu

Tim Little - Michigan Bluegrass Newsletter Association (Oct 3, 2011)

Vin Downes is a fine musician with a degree in classical guitar performance. "Skies and Openings" is his debut CD, produced by Downes and Anthony Saint James, and it has already received national recognition. Vin cites Michael Hedges and Leo Kottke as influences. Echos of both can be clearly heard, in addition to shades of Alex Degrassi.

 This is a well-produced recording of eleven tracks, seven solo and four with bass and drums. They evoke various styles and moods, from pensive and meditative to rag and movin'-down-the-road grooves. Downes plays mostly in non-standard tunings, displaying a mastery of the finger-style guitar.

All of the tracks on this CD are strong, but a few stand out. The first track, "Skies and Openings," opens the ears with a well articulated and well harmonized melody that has a Celtic flavor. "Words Over Us" takes us through different tonal colors, underpinned by bright flowing movement. "Climb" is a thought-provoking theme played against a deliberate "one foot in front of the other" rhythm.

"So She Spins" won an award in the Great American Song Contest. This elegant and graceful waltz is a duet with violinist Jeffrey Young. "Kian's Blues" is rich, full and open with unpredictable dissonant intervals that show Vin's love of jazz. The playfulness of "Pen City Rag" then brings us back to earth. "Sachem Road Goodbye," another rag-influenced composition played flawlessly on the ukulele, provides a short and sweet finale that leaves the listener conjuring images of lively dancers, ready to take on whatever comes next.

That could well be listening to Vin Downes again. I expect we will be hearing more from this accomplished guitarist and composer.

Alan Kausal

Victory Music

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