PJCE Records is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of “Big Water,” the captivating debut album from bassist and composer Ross Garlow. This genre-bending collection of instrumental and vocal pieces is a vibrant sonic journey through the landscapes and spirit of Oregon’s iconic rivers. From the tranquil “Deschutes Desert Morning,” evoking the serene beauty of a high desert sunrise, to the energetic funk of “Umpqua Funk” and the evocative reflection on loss in “Santiam In Flames,” each track on “Big Water” paints a vivid musical portrait, capturing the unique personality and flow of its namesake waterway.
More than just a musical exploration, “Big Water” reflects Garlow’s deep connection to the Pacific Northwest and his commitment to environmental awareness. Inspired by his extensive time spent exploring these vital ecosystems as an avid steelheader, the album weaves in subtle yet powerful messages of conservation, advocating for dam removal, tribal land reclamation, and the support of local environmental initiatives. Through a dynamic fusion of jazz, funk, soul, rock, and folk influences, Garlow invites listeners to immerse themselves in the power and fragility of nature, urging a deeper appreciation for the rivers that shape our region.
Featuring the exceptional talents of Kirk Kalbfleisch on drums and Leon Cotter on clarinet, saxophone, organ, and piano, alongside Garlow’s own multi-instrumental prowess on bass, vocals, guitar, and keyboards, “Big Water” is a testament to collaborative artistry and a profound love for music and the natural world. The album was meticulously crafted at Dominic Castillio’s studio, a space that fostered creative freedom and allowed Garlow’s diverse musical vision to flourish. PJCE Records will host an album release show at The 1905, a cherished venue within Portland’s vibrant jazz scene, marking a significant milestone for this exciting new voice in contemporary music. This project was made possible in part by a generous grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC).
Album Details
Artist: Ross Garlow
Title: Big Water
Personnel: Leader – Ross Garlow (Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Auxiliary Percussion), Leon Cotter (Saxophone, Clarinet, Keyboards), Kirk Kalbfleisch (Drums, Auxiliary Percussion)
Track listing: Run time:
Deschutes Desert Morning 4:05
The Clack 4:18
Silty Sandy 3:32
John Day Naked 3:44
Umpqua Funk 2:49
Santiam In Flames 5:06
Nehalem Night With Moon 4:25
Undam The Klam 4:00
The Wild Rogue 4:20
Total Run Time 37 minutes
All tracks Ross Garlow, BMI
Recorded by Dominic Castillo
Mixed by Scott Stanley
Recorded at Beaumont Sounds
Recording date: October-December 2024
Mastered by: Dana White
Executive Producer: Ryan Meagher
Art by Tiny Little Hammers
PJCER 070
BIO
Ross Garlow is a native of Southeastern Pennsylvania. During Ross’s youth he played a variety of instruments, but chose bass as his focus while earning his undergraduate degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and his graduate degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Immediately after grad school in 2015, Ross spent three and a half years as a music director on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries, and leading musicians from all over the world. In late 2018, Ross decided to end his time on cruise ships and relocate to the west coast, calling Portland, OR his new home. Very quickly Ross became one of the highest regarded session bass players in Portland. Ross has always had an itch to be in the great outdoors, therefore the Pacific Northwest couldn’t have been a more ideal place for Ross to start a new life. Outside of work, Ross’s greatest passion is being a fisherman, on his whitewater raft going down rapids, on the hunt for making that connection with anadromous fish. The way of a steelheader, living in constant adventure, has inspired Ross to record and release his first solo record entitled Big Water. A dedication to Oregon’s great rivers, the importance of abundant fish migration, undamming unnecessary waterways, and the cultures that rely on improvements in conservation.
Ross on a Boat