For fans of acoustic guitar music, Ben Garnett’s sophomore studio album Kite’s Keep is a revelation. Blending storytelling, orchestral textures, and world-building atmospheres, Garnett crafts vivid soundscapes where the guitar acts as both centerpiece and collaborator. Drawing inspiration from jazz, string band, and classical traditions, the album transcends genre, creating an intimate and innovative sonic space.
Featuring an all-star ensemble—Darol Anger and Brittany Haas on fiddle, Ethan Jodziewicz and Paul Kowert on bass, Chris Eldridge on guitar, and Matt Glassmeyer on piano—Kite’s Keep thrives on dynamic interplay and collective improvisation. Each musician contributes to Garnett’s inventive yet familiar compositions, resulting in music that feels both exploratory and welcoming.
The Musicians Behind the Music
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Ben Garnett (guitar, composer): A rising force in modern acoustic music, Garnett is known for his boundary-pushing compositions that merge folk, jazz, and classical elements. His playing blends technical brilliance with lyrical sensitivity, making him one of the most forward-thinking voices of his generation.
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Darol Anger (fiddle): A pioneering figure in contemporary string music, Anger has been a driving force in progressive bluegrass and jazz since his early days with the David Grisman Quintet and Turtle Island String Quartet. His improvisational energy brings a daring, exploratory spirit to the album.
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Brittany Haas (fiddle): Widely regarded as one of the finest fiddlers of her generation, Haas has played with Crooked Still, Hawktail, and Gillian Welch. Her lyrical tone and deep knowledge of old-time traditions add warmth and depth to Garnett’s compositions.
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Ethan Jodziewicz (bass): Known for his versatility across classical, jazz, and folk, Jodziewicz has collaborated with musicians such as Béla Fleck and Sierra Hull. His grounding yet melodic bass playing anchors the ensemble with finesse.
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Paul Kowert (bass): A core member of Punch Brothers, Kowert has redefined the role of the double bass in modern acoustic music. His resonant tone and rhythmic sensitivity provide a powerful counterpoint to Garnett’s guitar.
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Chris Eldridge (guitar): As a founding member of Punch Brothers and longtime guitarist in the progressive bluegrass scene, Eldridge’s elegant, clear-toned style bridges tradition and innovation. His interplay with Garnett adds sparkle and momentum.
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Matt Glassmeyer (piano): A creative improviser and composer, Glassmeyer’s piano textures bring harmonic depth and color to Kite’s Keep. His collaborative sensibilities make him a subtle yet essential presence in the ensemble.
An Album for Guitar Lovers and Beyond
Garnett demonstrates an uncanny ability to harness the guitar’s full expressive range without overpowering the ensemble. Listeners are treated to lush, resonant tapestries that invite repeated listening, offering a deep, immersive experience. With Kite’s Keep, Garnett firmly establishes himself as one of modern acoustic music’s leading innovators, delivering a work that celebrates the acoustic guitar while serving as a sonic refuge for all who engage with it.
Tracklisting
Disc 1 – Side 1
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