In his debut album Monterey, Scott Claassen draws from the same well as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Uncle Tupelo. However, just below the surface are perceptible traces of the Beach Boys, Sublime, and Malian folk music.

11 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Modern Folk, ROCK: Americana



Details:
The musical focal point of Monterey is the juxtaposition of a string section with the pulse of guitar, mandolin, and snare drum. The combination reveals common elements of American folk music and Western classical music. Because the string section is small -two violins and a cello- it maintains the qualities of chamber music. Thus, the music has a nostalgic quality without being sentimental.
The bulk of the album was recorded live in a single room of a house in Charlottesville, VA. The remaining tracks were recorded in various locations of California and Texas. The absence of a studio gives the project an intimate, stripped down quality akin to Rick Rubinâs recordings of Johnny Cash.
Scott Claassen was born and raised in Monterey County, California. While attending college in Nashville, Tennessee, Claassen played music all over the Southeast. He was a regular performer at Nashvilleâs famous Exit/In, and he shared the stage with artists ranging from Willie Nelson to Nelly. After graduating Scott moved to Austin, Texas where he balanced his time between playing folk ensemble shows at the Continental Club and Stubbâs with contributions to indie rock at Emoâs.
Claassenâs music is a reflection of his travels. Tinges of traditional country, California beach music, and folk testify to his time in the West, the South, and Texas. His travels in foreign countries have also had considerable influence on his sound. He lived in Kenya, where the rhythms and choral quality of African music seeped into his work. He played charango on the buses while studying in Santiago, Chile. He played cavaquinho on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. These travels play a defining part in Scottâs musical profile and persona.
The title of Claassenâs solo debut conjures thoughts of the natural beauty prominent in Monterey County, which played an integral part in defining Claassenâs musical aesthetic. It is also a reference to a beginning. Just as Scott was born in Monterey, so this music is a starting place. For more information, see: www.scottclaassen.net.