Last updated on February 24, 2022
If the past few years have taught us anything, it is how to improvise. The mesmerizing Scott Metzger, jam band member extraordinaire, played a sold-out acoustic show at Joe’s Bar in 2018. It was a hint, years before the pandemic ground touring to a halt, that his genius had begun to find a new light. Now, Scott Metzger’s Too Close To Reason embraces us in its brilliantly unique sonic tapestry.
The twelve-song debut release on Royal Potato Family reflects Metzger’s pandemic retreat to Brooklyn, where he embraced his acoustic guitar. The instrumental compositions reflect the artist’s array of influences, as Django Rheinhardt and Chet Adkins are reborn and transformed here. Each note heard on the record is Metger except his fiancée, violinist Katie Jacoby (The Who).
Opener “Appreciate Wattage” feels like an homage to the best of what Joe Russo’s Almost Dead brought, set into a fresh headspace. Nearly ethereal, it drifts into a down-to-earth “Don’t Be A Stranger.” This track wraps its dischordant surprises into progressions that blossom into nearly Spanish-style breakdowns. “Asking For A Friend” claims its place, unfolding a fuller compositional narrative in over four minutes. Nuanced, each restrained lift heightens the immersive nature of this record.
“Talk Like That” is the best of the record. Smooth, sultry, bling, the tango vibe with jazz style seems sheer perfection. Like breathless lovers, each note has room to breathe, resonating with the journey we are all on. Lulled, “Damage” disrupts us into a fading cacophony. Why? Maybe we should ask the universe for the point of the pandemic. Or maybe, the simplicity of “DREAMROOM” drops into “Waltz for Beverly” as we dance, one step at a time, back towards togetherness.
It’s easy to forget Metzger’s role on stage as a live music improvisation magician when listening to this recorded incarnation of the soul. “When Katie Smiles” reveals his love for his fiancée, set to music. Touching and authentic, emotion oozes from each measure. Their duet, “Only Child” reveals the power of their connection. This intimate pas de deux feels like we have been invited in, sharing in lovers’ secrets whispered on a warm summer’s day.
Closing with “At Your Service” realigns us all for the next chapter in Scott Metzger’s story. Drifting back towards traveling music, we all look forward to what will be ahead. But thanks to Manhattan’s East Village and Joe’s Pub, Scott Metzger’s generationally-excellent, standout instrumental album Too Close To Reason is here. The album arrives March 4. —Lisa Whealy