Jerry Gaff’s “Sojourn” In Review

By Julie Caldwell

Recorded last year Jerry Gaff’s latest release “Sojourn” is an eleven track CD that features high quality production values, and was recorded and mastered at Cycling Troll Studio and is a wonderful compilation of talent rich Fingerstyle guitar work.

Fingerstyle guitar is the technique of playing the guitar by plucking the strings directly with the fingertips, fingernails, or picks attached to fingers, as opposed to Flatpicking, which is picking individual notes with a single plectrum called a Flatpick.

The term “Fingerstyle” is something of a misnomer, since it is present in several different genres and styles of music, but mostly because it involves a completely different technique, not just a “style” of playing, especially for the guitarist’s right hand.

Originally, from northern Indiana, Jerry Gaff moved to the Erie area in 2004 and continued his musical career that he began at the young age of fifteen. As a mostly self-taught musician, Gaff demonstrates his true gift for his instrument with Sojourn.

Though more of a mellow collection of masterpiece Guitar work, Sojourn is captivating as it draws you in more and more with every note, almost as though it were mesmerizing.

The musical composition of Sojourn is rather brilliant in its arrangements, and simply sparkles in its presentation. The understated use of Loons sounds in the track entitled “Loons Interlude” is simply luminous in its originality and is in perfect fusion with the music.

Loons are aquatic birds that are the size of a large Duck or small Goose, and resemble these birds in shape when swimming. Flying Loons look some what like a plump goose with a seagull’s wings, that are relatively small in proportion to their bulky body.

Though most of the songs on this fabulous CD are soft and subtle instrumentals, the final track on the album entitled “Breathe Deeply” is filled with well-written and smart lyrics that are not only heartfelt, but charming and passionate as well. “Breathe Deeply” also showcases Gaff’s compelling and spellbinding vocals that truly call to the listener.

Over all, Sojourn is a spectacular collection of incredibly written and performed Guitar pieces that could easily be considered a real work of art in both composition and presentation. I absolutely recommend this CD for anyone who is a fan of Guitar instrumentals, and an absolute must listen for any music lover.

For more information on “Sojourn”, and performance schedules and booking information for Jerry Gaff, please visit www.jerrygaff.com.