Jeff Stanton’s Perfect “Circles”
Jeff Stanton
Circles
Independent Release, 2013
Space Coast musical mainstay Jeff Stanton has released his first solo CD and we get a front row seat to his development as an artist. There have always been beauty and grace on previous releases he’s been party to, but now we hear him fulfill promises he’s only previously hinted at. Circles shows off his exceptional songwriting skills and gives a glimpse what ideas are percolating beneath that sun burnt scalp of his.
Opening with mid-tempo rocker “Ride,” it kicks off with conviction and sets the stage for what’s to come. The next few numbers, “To My Friend,” “Circles,” and “Indecision,” have more of an indie folk vibe with great coloring from violinist Seth Chipman. Stanton’s voice is light, earnest and tempered with enough longing to be credible. Throughout he manages to avoid being trite and cliché.
“Sand Dune Lullaby” is a beautiful pre-dawn walk through the dunes to catch those perfect waves before the beach is cluttered by noisy crowds or the reality of the days responsibilities become inevitable. You can picture the night sky giving way to daybreak as this song unfolds. Sleepy and sexy, this is perhaps the discs centerpiece.
Followed immediately by the uptempo romantic musings of “The Drifter,” it’s airy and graceful all at once. “Catalyst” is perhaps the biggest surprise here on this collection. A revved up and fitful 60’s rocker dressed up as indie pop and aching to let loose.
“Oh My I” is a playful bit of lovelorn melody that’s precariously catchy. This is the sort of song made just for summertime. There’s an effortless brilliance at work on this track which is hard to ignore.
This disc is at times lush and by turns austere, but always entertaining. Jeff Stanton has delivered an exceptional collection of songs which will only make you want more.
