“With dreamlets, Vin Downes explores the nourishment found in the wandering mind. Between waking thoughts and the uncategorical realm of dreams––considered by many to be a space of fantasy or escape––Downes seems to understand that it is there that the reduced mind is free to engage with the heart. The concise solo guitar pieces that make up the collection are warm and crisp, patiently floating between wisps of Celtic mystery, mournful Americana, and unresolved questioning. The mastery demonstrated in both the performance and the shimmering production by Tom Eaton only accents that Downes is an ever-evolving artist who is as curious as he is capable.”
~ Charlie Rauh Guitarist/Composer/Author/Educator
"Vin Downes' music makes me forget that I'm listening to a guitar. Don't get me wrong: his playing is impeccable, his sound is warm, and his records are expertly produced by Tom Eaton. Vin Downes is a guitarist's guitarist, sure.
It's just that his writing is so inventive and alive, at once familiar and unique, that his music would be successful on any instrument. The guy is a musician's musician, a composer's composer.
That forgetting-it's-a-guitar phenomenon is on full display in Downes' latest project, "dreamlets." The title work is a multi-movement meditation which deserves inclusion in the wider guitar canon. Movements "the visit" and "imagine a chorale" come close to stopping time for me, and I've returned to those tracks many times to experience the sensation. Thing is, the album is brimming with tracks that compete for your attention. "Redwing" and "The Quietest Midnight" are both instant classics.
There are a lot of excellent guitarist-composers out there. But there is only one Vin Downes."
~ Matthew Cochran Guitarist/Composer/Educator
"The wonderful new album by guitarist Vin Downes, called "Dreamlets," is like a book of musical short stories, where each one leaves you fulfilled and eager for the next one. Some are tranquil; some tell a tale that is continuing and unresolved; some are resolute; some are restless. Yet they are all tied together by Vin's exquisite taste, touch, tone, and phrasing, and producer Tom Eaton's consummate recording and mastering."
~ El McMeen - Guitarist/Author
“I just listened to Vin Downes' newest album from start to finish and it was transporting. The album creates an atmosphere of peace and enchantment, almost like musical incense. Expertly composed, performed and recorded.”
Candice Mowbray - Guitarist/Educator/Scholar
Thanks all…
Vin
