Dark Matter (Brett Garsed album)

Dark Matter was recorded in the early 2000s, a period when Garsed was balancing his solo career with session work and his involvement in the band Uncle Moe's Space Ranch. The album was produced by Garsed himself, with engineering by a team that included longtime collaborator T.J. Helmerich, who also contributed guitar parts on some tracks. The recording sessions took place at various studios in Los Angeles, where Garsed was based at the time. The album's title, Dark Matter, reflects Garsed's interest in astrophysics and the unseen forces that shape the universe, a theme that resonates in the music's dense, layered textures.

The album is a showcase for Garsed's distinctive legato technique, which he developed in the 1980s and which has influenced a generation of guitarists. His playing on Dark Matter blends rock, jazz fusion, and elements of Indian classical music, reflecting his study of the genre under the tutelage of guitarist Frank Gambale. Tracks like 'The Human Element' and 'Dark Matter' feature complex chord progressions and rapid-fire single-note runs, while ballads such as 'Solace' demonstrate his melodic sensitivity. Garsed's use of the guitar synthesizer on several tracks adds a textural dimension that sets the album apart from his earlier work.

Upon its release, Dark Matter received positive reviews from guitar magazines and online communities, with critics praising Garsed's technical prowess and compositional depth. The album has since become a cult favorite among guitar enthusiasts, often cited as a prime example of modern instrumental rock. It has been reissued on CD and made available on streaming platforms, ensuring its continued availability to new listeners. Garsed's influence can be heard in the playing of many contemporary guitarists, and Dark Matter remains a touchstone for those exploring the possibilities of the instrument.

The album consists of ten tracks, all composed by Garsed. The opening track, 'The Human Element', sets the tone with its driving rhythm and intricate soloing. Other highlights include 'Dark Matter', the title track, which features a haunting melody over a pulsing bass line, and 'Sands of Time', which incorporates Middle Eastern scales. The closing track, 'Aftermath', is a quiet, introspective piece that showcases Garsed's ability to convey emotion through his instrument.

One lesser-known fact is that the album's cover art was designed by Garsed's brother, who used a photograph of a nebula taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Additionally, the track 'The Human Element' was originally written for a film soundtrack that never materialized. Garsed has mentioned in interviews that the album was recorded using a custom-built guitar with a Fernandes sustainer system, which allowed him to achieve the long, singing notes that are a hallmark of his style. The album also features a guest appearance by bassist Ric Fierabracci, known for his work with Chick Corea, adding a jazz pedigree to the proceedings.

Legato

A style of playing where notes are smoothly connected, often using hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Guitar synthesizer

A device that converts guitar string vibrations into MIDI signals, allowing the guitar to trigger synthesizer sounds.

Fusion

A genre that combines elements of jazz and rock, often featuring complex harmonies and improvisation.