Imitation Fields (2023)
IMITATION FIELDS is a vivid dreamscape of acoustic immediacy and electronic fantasy, and the debut solo album by guitarist/composer Ben Garnett. Heartbreaking melodies feel like an outpouring; deep trancelike pulses and unintelligible “sounds” articulate the mood; and acoustic nuances wholly demonstrate the craft. The electronic manipulation is at times like the voice of a disarming narrator, turning momentarily from the live performance and speaking to you directly. Jazz-informed arrangements form the basis of an album you’d call “experimental string band” by any measure, and Ben’s ingenuity attracted the participation of some of the genre’s most acclaimed players. It’s refreshing to hear how Ben utilizes them. Produced by Chris Eldridge (Punch Brothers), the album features him on additional guitar, Brittany Haas and Billy Contreras (fiddles), Paul Kowert (bass), Matthew Davis (banjo), Dominick Leslie (mandolins), and a string quartet. Fans of progressive acoustic music will hear familiar sounds deployed in new ways, and all around music lovers will find themselves descending into a gorgeously unusual sonic naturescape. The music is new, relatable, and delivered with intent. Not short on ambition, IMITATION FIELDS culminates into a dense, beautiful debut that is self-assured and singular.
“Ben Garnett has made a beautiful record. Songs that are modern and musical, bringing out the best in every musician involved. I’ll be listening to this for a long time.”
—Bryan Sutton
“This record is an intrepid and moving debut statement by a young artist to watch. Ben Garnett has been on my radar for a number of years now, and I've gotten to know him as a thoughtful human and a delightful guitarist. With ‘Imitation Fields,’ I hear an elaborate inner world unveiled as Ben's composing and arranging abilities come into focus alongside the expected instrumental prowess.
One might assume that acoustic, roots-music oriented string instruments and programmed electronic sounds would make for strange bedfellows; fortunately Ben's aesthetic (and, surely, Critter's steady production guidance) ably direct the cultivation of a unique sonic landscape. Beautiful and surprising textures alchemically emerge in the weaving of acoustic strings and subtle electronic touches—compelling and sometimes unusual, but never forced-sounding. Having surrounded himself with some of the best instrumental co-conspirators Nashville has to offer, Ben's ambitious vision is capably delivered in masterful, sympathetic hands. The diversity and virtuosity of ‘Imitation Fields’ is sure to invite repeated listens, and I for one will be curious to hear what Ben has to say to us next.”
—Grant Gordy
Out Now
Produced by Chris Eldridge, Asst. Production by Ben Garnett
Recorded by Ben Surratt at the Rec Room Studio (Nashville, TN)
Additional Recording by Joe Pisapia (Nashville, TN)
Mixed by Tomek Miernowski (New York, NY)
Mastered by Gavin Lurssen at Lurssen Mastering (Los Angeles, CA)
Cover Artwork by Santiago Perez
Package Design by Loren Witcher
All music composed by Ben Garnett (Ben Garnett ASCAP), except track 2 by Ben Garnett (Ben Garnett ASCAP) and Skyler Hill (Strings and Other Things ASCAP), and track 10 by Cole Porter (WB Music Corp.), arranged by Ben Garnett (Ben Garnett ASCAP).
Musicians:
Billy Contreras - fiddle
Matthew Davis - banjo
Dominick Leslie - mandolin/mandola
Paul Kowert - bass
Ben Garnett - guitar/electronics/vocals
Brittany Haas - fiddle
Chris Eldridge - guitar
Annaliese Kowert - violin
Joshua Dent - cello
Matt Young - snare drum/glockenspiel
"Ben is one of a new strain of acoustic guitarists emerging today. His debut recording showcases a wide breadth of harmonic and rhythmic musical knowledge that reaches deeply into the folk, jazz and pop music realms. His playing, composing and the whole soundscape that these musicians create together is a pleasure to the ears and the soul.”
—Mike Marshall
“Holy shit your album is awesome. What the hell you genius MF-er.”
—Paul Kowert
As Producer:
Circus No. 9, self-titled (2022)
“A vital modern experience conveyed with traditional instruments and approaches. Few such releases in 2022 are more fulfilling.”
—The Hollywood Digest
“Full of surprises, life, meaning, and deceptive power.”
—Skope Magazine
Featuring 11 tracks total, the full Circus No. 9 album writes the next chapter in the band’s career. Some of the highlights include a variety of instrumentals, like the powerful anthems “To the Lighthouse” and “West Point, IA,” and the must-hear “Circus Train No. 9.” Perhaps one of the most driving bluegrass songs for more traditional fans is “The Place That I Call Home.” Whatever each listener’s taste, there’s likely something for every type of bluegrass, folk and americana enthusiast. In addition, the collection includes guest vocalist Aoife O’Donovan on “Scaffold Song,” fiddler John Mailander, and drum legend Jeff Sipe.
Produced by Ben Garnett, asst. production by Thomas Cassell, Matthew Davis, and Vince Ilagan, recorded by Ben Surratt at the Rec Room Studio (Nashville, TN), mixed by Brandon Bell at The Cabin Studio (Nashville, TN), and mastered by Alan Silverman / Arf Productions at Aerial Sound (New York, NY).
“Each member of Circus no. 9 plays extremely well - and when they come together it’s clear that their collective skills serve the music first and foremost. There’s nothing extra here - just well-crafted melodies and tasteful arrangements that blend old and new, acoustic and electronic. It’s music that bears repeated listening, for the nuances, as well as for the good feelings it engenders!”
—Brittany Haas
Circus No. 9 is:
Thomas Cassell - mandolin, mandola, vocals
Matthew Davis - banjo, vocals
Ben Garnett - guitar, electric guitar, electronics, vocals
Vince Ilagan - bass, vocals
Special guests:
John Mailander - fiddle
Aoife O’Donovan - vocals
Jeff Sipe - drums
As Collaborator:
Stereoscope - EP (2019)
An EP of original music, recorded live on two old acoustic guitars.
Ben plays 1936 Martin 00-28.
Ethan plays a 1935 Martin 000-18.
Ben Garnett - guitar
Ethan Sherman - guitar
Recorded by Ben Surratt at the Rec Room Studio (Nashville, TN)
Mixed by Pete Min at Lucy’s Meat Market (Los Angeles, CA)
Cover photo by Joshua Britt
Available for digital purchase on Bandcamp:
Spherically (2016)
A collaborative effort with Skyler Hill and Ben Garnett on acoustic guitars exploring the worlds of composition, style, technique, and improvisation.
Ben Garnett - guitar
Skyler Hill - guitar
Recorded and mixed by Eric Delegard at Reeltime Audio (Denton, TX)
Mastered by Gary Long at Nomad Audio (Carrollton, TX)
Album design by Olivia Brown
“Luminous, deeply empathetic duets. Quiet, virtuosic playing that lets the music breathe.”
Available for digital purchase on Bandcamp:
As Side-Person:
Royal Traveller
(2018)
Harmony vocals on tracks 7 & 10
Nominated for a GRAMMY® as “Best Bluegrass Album” for 2020