Following a four-year hiatus since his brilliant album Apparitions, Northern Irish composer and guitarist Joe Hodgson finally graces the airwaves once again – impressively introducing the upcoming release of a brand new full-length project, with the double A-side single The Grass is Greener / Shapeshifting.
A long-awaited return, depicting an instantly alluring balance between high-energy and warmth, The Grass Is Greener contrasts a mellow underlying groove with distorted guitar as a freely meandering performance from Hodgson.
The style of playing effectively incorporates some essential moments of distinct melody and riff, whilst utilising a more jazz-like to progressive rock eclecticism in the sheer presence and consistently evolving status of the sound.
It’s a captivating single, celebratory by nature but with hints of stylistic influence that effectively maintain that organic Joe Hodgson creative thread – the one that’s become unmistakable throughout his solo instrumental work.
We seem to move from dreamy thoughts of the grass being greener, to actually being fully embraced by the truth that it really is. The track has both personality and roots, making it recognisable but also soulful in its apparent freestyle playing and changing emotions.
Also included in the double a-side release is a rather phenomenal track called Shapeshifting, a follow-up that takes a completely different approach, immediately highlighting the fast-fingers and masterful fretboard exploration of guitarist Joe Hodgson in a mesmerising fashion.
Again we progress from showmanship to darker contemplations just briefly, a midsection something like knees-up alt-folk injecting a completely unexpected tone and rightful shift in dynamic. The track as ever whole-heartedly encapsulates the implications of its name.
For guitar music fans, guitarists themselves, and avid appreciators of live musicianship, Shapeshifting is a sensational example of what happens when natural talent, relentless work ethic, and creative freedom confidently join forces.
The new album Fields of Redemption will release in June. Find Joe Hodgson on Facebook, Instagram, X & his Website.
