Pointing out that alto nido translates from the Spanish as high nest, Laswell explains that Three flights up implies that you re on your way to a high nest, even if you re not quite there yet. Whereas Through Toledo was in... more »timate and autobiographical for the most part, the EP reflected the transitional time of coming out of it, Laswell explains. With this album, I wanted to do something really big sounding a little bit bigger than I am, really. In a sense, the album was shaped around the fact that 2007 was a difficult and strange year for just about all of my friends and family members.
With his elegantly expressive piano technique and feathery acoustic guitar work, Greg has drawn comparisons to such reputable songsmiths as Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Ron Sexsmith and Radiohead. His intense lyrics and sweeping melodies amplify to create an eloquent sound that matches his hypnotic and haunting tenor.
As with his prior Vanguard releases, Three Flights From Alto Nido was written, recorded and produced at his home studios in San Diego, Dana Point and Santa Ana, CA. The task of mixing the album was placed in the hands of Greg Collins who has mixed, produced and/or engineered tracks for Grammy winners U2, Joss Stone and the Dixie Chicks as well as many other notable acts.« less
Pointing out that alto nido translates from the Spanish as high nest, Laswell explains that Three flights up implies that you re on your way to a high nest, even if you re not quite there yet. Whereas Through Toledo was intimate and autobiographical for the most part, the EP reflected the transitional time of coming out of it, Laswell explains. With this album, I wanted to do something really big sounding a little bit bigger than I am, really. In a sense, the album was shaped around the fact that 2007 was a difficult and strange year for just about all of my friends and family members.
With his elegantly expressive piano technique and feathery acoustic guitar work, Greg has drawn comparisons to such reputable songsmiths as Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Ron Sexsmith and Radiohead. His intense lyrics and sweeping melodies amplify to create an eloquent sound that matches his hypnotic and haunting tenor.
As with his prior Vanguard releases, Three Flights From Alto Nido was written, recorded and produced at his home studios in San Diego, Dana Point and Santa Ana, CA. The task of mixing the album was placed in the hands of Greg Collins who has mixed, produced and/or engineered tracks for Grammy winners U2, Joss Stone and the Dixie Chicks as well as many other notable acts.
Expressive and compelling: piano, guitar, Laswell's voice
love books and music | usa | 08/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD improves with repeated listening. Several pieces tend to begin quiety then increase to a larger sound. I like it better every time I play it. The pieces definitely pick up towards the end, from track 7 -10 particularly. Singer/songwriter Laswell plays piano, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonium, bells, organ and bass -- variety of talents, huh?
Tracks:
1 -- It's been a year: mellow acoustic guitar 7/10
2 -- That it moves: has a radio play sound, many instruments with some sweeping melodies 8/10
3 -- The one I love: Reflective lyrics with slow, driving melody 8/10
4 -- Comes and goes: gentle acoustic guitar, piano mixed in, love the lyrics (this one's for the lonely/the ones that seek and find/only to be let down/time after time/this one's for the torn down/the experts at the fall/common friends get up now/you're not alone at all...)Molly Jenson accompanies Greg's yearning tenor in a soulful mix 9/10
5 -- How the day sounds: syncopated piano chords opening, has a ColdPlay sound to it 8/10
6 -- Sweet Dream: some strings accompany his voice, gentle piece, quite short 8/10
7 -- Days go on: faster, driving rhythms, hypnotic song 9/10
8 -- I'd be lying: one of the longer pieces at 4:45, swells to a haunting chorus 9/10
10 -- Not out: my favorite!! soothing lyrics and music to start then at 2:34 mark builds into a fine, sexy sound 10/10
11 -- And then you: melancholy, simple guitar with piano 8/10
12 -- (hidden track)That it moves: acoustic version 7/10
If these tracks sound vaguely familiar it may be because some of Greg's music is on tv soundtracks such as Grey's Anatomy and One Tree Hill. Many of the songs have an intimate, brooding quality that indie rock enthusiasts will enjoy.
"
I'd Be Lying
Rachel Morris | Chicago, IL USA | 07/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Greg Laswell has made my days brighter and more brilliant. He is every kind of good any one has claimed him to be and then some. Three Flights has proven to be a collection of music that music should be. Each track sparkles like the gem it is. Greg knows how to give the entire package, gifting us with his accessible and smart lyrics and melodies. Unpretentious and endearing. Inspiring and Refreshing. Brooding and sweet. His spring ep release of "How the Day Sounds" EP was all too exciting, and Three Flights From Alto Nido is more than just a bonus. I can't even describe how unprepared I was for "I'd Be Lying." And I'd be lying if I told you you this album isn't magical. The same goes for hearing his music live. A witty, gentle, soulful man. Obviously, I'm a huge fan of honest music. But, of all the music I'm so fortunate to experience, Greg's is at the top. A gift! Happy listening and living."
So good.
kidfortoday37 | Los Angeles, CA | 06/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Ok. So.
Greg Laswell is amazing-ness. His last record blew me away and was on repeat for about 2 months. This album delivers the same response but at a slightly higher level. His lyrics just know how to describe exactly what you can't and his harmonies hook you into a more beautiful world.
I can't believe they are selling "genius" for $1.99. It's like a gift for the summer. "Sorry you lost your job, but here...now you have more time to listen to beauty at the beach."
"
Way more than a Coldplay clone
J. Schwarz | Ben Lomond, CA | 02/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The title of my review is somewhat deceptive, but my first impression upon hearing Mr Laswell suggested the drama and changing dynamics of many of that band's tunes, particularly the vocals. I first heard Laswell on satellite radio where I work, and I always looked up to check the screen to see who was singing. More often than not, it was him.
But this record is a more accesible, less bombastic version of that particular style, which makes the comparison a slight to Laswell. I wasn't expecting to listen through every song start to finish the first time, but indeed I was hooked from the first note, wanting to find out where each song would go. The arrangements are purposeful and elegant, the vocals just the right mix of melancholy and hope.
Chris Martin sings "When I Ruled the World". Laswell's lament is much more personal, his goal less ambitious. He just wants to get through the day in as high a place as possible."
Excellent Recording
J. Chapman | Oakland Native | 06/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent recording. I'm enjoying immensely the songwriting and musicianship. Real enjoyable vocals. (Jonathan Richman if he was raised in the midwest?) The rhythms are moving; the beat has drive. I have my tickets for the Saint Louis show!"