Jake Winstrom - Circles
JAKE WINSTROM RELEASES LUSH ‘CIRCLES’
Originally from Tennessee, now based in Brooklyn, singer-songwriter Jake Winstrom releases his new album, Circles, a collection of songs fueled by power-pop and alt-country savors.
Jake Winstrom | Photo: Tanya Salazar
In his prior band, Tenderhooks, Jake, and the band shared the stage with ZZ Top and The War On Drugs. On Circles, his sophomore solo album, Jake delivers deliciously visceral and intimate music. It’s his second collaboration with producer Jeff Bills and includes the guest talents of Peggy Hambright (Judybats), Dave Nichols (Smokin’ Dave and the Premo Dopes), and Greg Horne (RB Morris).
Circles’ gestation period encompassed two years – writing and recording. Jake finished the album right before COVID-19 brought everything to a screeching halt.
Jake explains, “We were basically 99-percent done. So, we were able to lean on some very talented friends with home studios to add the odd overdub here and there. And engineers John Harvey and Mary Podio were super savvy to invent a new workflow that let us finish mixing remotely.”
“Kilimanjaro” might be the album’s best track because of its gleaming washes of platinum guitar hues, akin to Tom Petty playing with The Byrds.
Going on, he adds, “We were really fortunate. I mean, obviously, the world needs another rock and roll record like it needs a hole in its head right now. But I needed this one. For my own sanity. I feel like I’ve been working up to this album my whole life. I’m 37 years old. It’s 37 minutes long. Coincidence? I think not! But I do feel like a good chunk of a lifetime is living in these songs. The highs, lows, and in-betweens, to quote Townes Van Zandt. I hope folks dig it. I do.”
With nine-tracks, the album begins with “Come To Texas She Said,” a slinky, gliding song about a lover encouraging him to move to Texas, leaving NYC behind. Jake’s inimitable voice gives the lyrics lustrous elevated timbres.
Highlights include “Think Too Hard,” reminiscent of Blondie, with its popping bassline and rolling flow exuding tropical-lite tints. “I Walk In Circles” travels on a graceful piano attended by gently emerging strings, infusing the melody with a gorgeous sweeping flow.
“The Crystal Ball” dishes out low-slung, glowing alt-country flavors, meandering and creamy, as the steel guitar drawls voluptuously. The final track, “Kilimanjaro,” narrates the cupidity and mistakes people make when they don’t think things through. “Kilimanjaro” might be the album’s best track because of its gleaming washes of platinum guitar hues, akin to Tom Petty playing with The Byrds.
Produced and arranged with excellence, Circles provides appealing layers of sound riding on provocative rhythms, all capped by Jake’s distinctive voice.
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