In an era where studio polish often overshadows personal touch in music production, Scott Jackson’s latest album, “Silver Moon,” emerges as a refreshing anomaly. This album is Jackson’s fourth full-length release and stands out for its entirely independent creation process. Over six months, Jackson has written, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered “Silver Moon,” underscoring his multifaceted talent.

“Silver Moon” comprises twelve original tracks, each marked by diverse instrumentation and Jackson’s smooth, subtle vocal style. The genesis of each song on “Silver Moon” begins with a guitar part, which Jackson describes as the “skeleton” of the song. This framework supports the intricate layers of melody and harmony that follow, all flowing together into what Jackson considers a never truly complete work. This ongoing evolution of his music keeps him deeply connected to his art.

photo by @sjacksonmusic

Twenty years ago, Jackson picked up his first guitar and unknowingly set the stage for a lifelong passion that would define his personal life. Unlike many artists who focus solely on one slice of the musical pie, Jackson’s approach is holistic. He immerses himself in every phase of music production, from penning lyrics to fine-tuning the final mix, always keeping his hands firmly on the creative wheel.

Jackson’s decision to handle all aspects of his music production is a strategic move that grants him invaluable insights into the industry. By overseeing everything from songwriting to final production, he maintains an artistic control that might be compromised in a more collaborative environment. As the music industry adapts to new technologies, Jackson’s techniques may evolve, but his fundamental approach—passionate, meticulous, and deeply personal—remains steadfast. And yes, the new album “Silver Moon” fits perfectly into his extensive discography and exemplifies how an indie album should sound.

The album opens with the track “If I Was,” a very soulful folk song with elements of country that awakens deep feelings. In contrast, the next track, “To Call It Home,” features new harmonies, a light flute, and acoustic guitars that enhance the atmosphere of dissolving into the lightness of sound. Here, Scott Jackson beautifully creates a melancholic mood with harmonies that immediately hit the mark and set the theme of wanderings, paths, and searching for oneself in this world. The title track “Silver Moon” sounds like a whisper in the ear. It is one of the strongest tracks on the album, where Scott Jackson is not afraid to experiment with sound.

photo by @sjacksonmusic

I like that the track ‘Supernova’ is inspired by the explosion of a supernova, and it’s interesting to note how rare such a ‘cosmic’ theme is, especially in the folk genre. Themes of ‘space’ and ‘mystery’ are key concepts of the album, reflecting on a person’s place in the world, the infinite universe, and the circulation of energy in all that is known and unknown. An important question raised by the musician regards journeys lasting several lifetimes that could lead to the mythical Silver Moon. Each track seems to reflect on philosophical ideas and how Scott Jackson views our world.

The track “Room to Spare” possesses an aesthetic atmosphere. I like how the warmth in the light vocals sounds as if it’s a call to unity. The catchy chorus creates a mood that continues the theme of wandering, but the sound takes on a more philosophical and soothing shade. Then, in the tracks “Fortunate” and “Misread,” Jackson’s vocals take on a contemplative tone. I was hooked by the sound of “Fortunate,” while “Misread,” with its complex rhythmic guitar patterns, a hint of haze, and the unique vocals of Scott Jackson, offers a new sound. As if leaving clues to the subtle conceptual line of the album “Silver Moon,” the track “The Universal Way” sounds like an acoustic commercial hit, where excellent performance and a light minimalist arrangement create a very aesthetic ballad, to which one can both grieve and dream simultaneously. Incredible!

The final track “Moonburn” concludes the album on a very strong note. Again, it features a commercial rhythm and a rich vocal line with multiple harmonies that make this track my favorite on the album.

After listening, you’re left with a feeling of inspiration. The album ‘Silver Moon’ is full of ideas and reflections on eternity, the human place in the world, the cosmos, and its boundless universe. But even if you don’t delve into these details, every listener can find exactly what they need in the sound. The main virtue of the album is its universality, you can enjoy the light acoustic folk sound, or add a touch of gentle melancholy to your day. I recommend everyone listen to the ‘Silver Moon’ album, and if you’ve never heard Scott Jackson’s music before, this release is an excellent start.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub