As
with most indie artists, Brewster was trying to figure out how to make
his record stand out in a sea of music. As the process of the new record
began, he initially planned to release one single as a teaser, followed
by the rest of the album later in the year. “All that momentum you
build up for months while you track, mix master and create artwork is
released at one time with a full album release“ said Brewster, “ There’s
this huge push and is seems like it’s over so fast and then you find
yourself scrambling to keep attention on the album.”
Brewster
started searching outside of the box for a way to record the new
record. “The more I looked at the construction of the songs I had and
the number of people I wanted to work with, the more it made sense to
release the tracks one at a time allowing me to tailor each song to my
vision.” Releasing the first track in March of 2013, the project, March of Tracks was born.
Using
five different studios and twenty-one of his favorite musicians and
engineers allowed the artist a certain freedom as he handpicked his
favorite players for each song that played to their individual
strengths. “One consistent response from listeners to the singles has
been that they really understand the feeling and vibe that I’m trying to
convey with each song, “ said Brewster. And as a compilation, the music
also stands up. For example, if you put the song “Chesapeake” side by
side with Brewster’s track “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down” you’ll hear that
they are very different songs, but each paints a picture that is very
clear and yet they still mesh together.
March of Tracks
is a record of big sounding Americana tracks countered with heartfelt
ballads. The opening song, “Make or Break” is a gritty rocker about the
open road, taking chances and putting everything on the line. “Circles”
is a more melancholy rocker that pulls at the heartstrings and
chronicles Brewster’s struggle with insomnia, while “Left to Lose” is a
ballad about letting a love go.
“Waiting
for my Chance” was the first song to be released and is an uplifting
song of desire and persistence with a catchy chorus and cool slide
guitar riffs. “World Closing In” is a playful Gypsy-jazz Americana
song replete with mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, 6-string banjo and
acoustic. Long time band mate James DePrato co-produced this song.
“Can’t Keep a Good Man Down” is an infectious funky groove that is
musically fun; the rich backbeat of soulful bass and drums push the
twangy guitar hook to the forefront. This song was recorded remotely by
each musician sharing their tracks on dropbox.
“Chesapeake “was inspired by Brewster’s deep Mayflower roots—his
grandfather to the nth power was William Brewster, the “Pilgrim Father”.
“Innocent Sinners” is a bluegrass/folk coming of age tale set in the
south with soaring 4-part harmonies and rich imagery. “One more Moment”
–written on the road over the last couple of tours, this dark acoustic
track is all vibe with only guitar and vocals.
Brewster’s
Father used to sit around the house strumming guitar, which inspired
the young artist. Trying to learn guitar chords at seven years of age
was a challenge, but by nine Brewster had rifled through a Bob Dylan
songbook and taught himself the song, “Don’t Think Twice.” By the age of
twelve he started his first band with his brother Jim and drums and
childhood friend, Uriah Duffy (who went on to play for Whitesnake) on
bass. Brewster went on as an accomplished guitarist who spent a number
of years supporting other artists.
He was motivated to move on to his own career by a charity event that hit home. He created his debut album, Confessional,
as a benefit record to raise funds and create awareness of Polycystic
Kidney Disease (PKD). Brewster’s family struggles with the disease-- not
only does he have it himself, his father has had a kidney transplant as
a result of the disorder and in 1998 his brother passed away from of
the disease.
In 2006 the artist released his second record, The Jesse Brewster Band, which was followed by the EP All She deserves
in 2008. One of his songs from the EP, “My Great Escape” had the
distinction of being used by CNN in their coverage of the 2012
Presidential campaign. Earning a name for himself, the artist was tagged
a Bay Area “Artist to Watch” and became a regular in rotation at radio
stations KFOG and KALX. 2011 saw Brewster releasing the critically
acclaimed, Wrecking Ball at the Concert Hall, which veteran
journalist Bill Kopp described as “miles above what passes for country”
and Popmatters declared, “a brilliant showcase for (Brewster’s) strong
songwriting ability and soulful vocal.”
“I know that it’s about the journey, not the destination and I try to live each day that way which is one of the meanings of March of Tracks,”
he says. Writing songs that have emotions, dynamics and feel, Brewster
shoots for integrity with each and every song. “It could be a barn
burning, twangy, hard hitting anthem, or a sweet acoustic ballad—as
long as I feel I’m being honest and trying to connect with the listener,
I’m happy.”
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