Alek Barkats is more than simply a musician; he is a storyteller and a multi-instrumentalist whose life’s journey and musical career demonstrate a deep resilience and an uncanny capacity to find beauty in the ordinary. Alek Barkat is set in Philadelphia’s dynamic cultural environment. Barkats’s early exposure to a variety of musical traditions influenced his unique sound. His constant pursuit of musical excellence throughout his formative years enabled him to master a variety of instruments, including the piano, guitar, clarinet, and other percussions.
Alek Barkats’s inventiveness was tested in the epidemic age, a period of widespread unrest. While many saw isolation as a hindrance, Barkats transformed it into a period of intense productivity. Moving to Philadelphia by a stroke of fate, he found himself living beneath Heather Jones, an accomplished audio engineer and musician. This fortuitous proximity led to a pivotal collaboration; Jones recorded the organs and lead vocals for his album, “Here We Are in the Garden,” and mastered the entire project. This album, co-produced by Geoff Saba at Oakland’s Itinerant Home, is a testament to Barkats’ ability to weave life’s accidental encounters into a rich tapestry of sound and story.
On June 14th, 2024, Alek Barkats will release “Jewels,” the captivating first single and opening track from his forthcoming album “Here We Are in the Garden”. This track is a beautiful exploration of the delicate balance between joy and the anxiety that it may be fleeting. Barkats describes “Jewels” as “finding comfort in routine. Especially when the world is still crumbling. You have to go through so much trial and error to know how to build joy for yourself.” With its head-bobbing acoustic strums, reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian and Fleetwood Mac, “Jewels” is poised to resonate deeply with listeners seeking solace and joy in their everyday lives.
The single “Jewels” is a collaborative masterpiece featuring Alek Barkats on vocals, piano, guitars, Rhodes, organ, clarinets, and percussion, alongside Emmett Moskowitz on bass and guitars, and David Mandle on drums. The track’s rich soundscape is further enhanced by Tacie Moskowitz’s backing vocals, Geoff Saba’s synths and electric guitar, and Travis Snyder’s pedal steel. Adding an orchestral touch, Lizzy Dutton and Artur Friedhoff play the violin, Nansamba Ssesnsalo on viola, Abe Finkelstein on cello, and Ben Hartman on saxophones. The recording and mastering expertise of Heather Jones ensures the final product is a polished gem, co-produced, recorded, and mixed by Geoff Saba.
I was instantly lured into a world that seemed to have a lot in common with my own experiences when I first came across Alek Barkats’ “Jewels.” A captivating musical journey was established by the first notes of “Jewels.” The soft yet entrancing strums of the acoustic guitar drew me into a familiar yet revitalizing environment. I started swaying to the beat when Alek Barkats‘ heartfelt vocals, which were accompanied by delicate piano and the gentle, rhythmic caress of percussion, came on. My spirits were immediately elevated. The music flowed naturally, with each instrument contributing a fresh level of beauty and complexity. With every second that went by, I felt the music enveloping me in a consoling and uplifted rhythm that was always changing.
Listening to “Jewels,” I couldn’t help but notice the remarkable collaboration that brought this track to life. Emmett Moskowitz’s bass and guitars provided a solid foundation, while David Mandle’s drums and Tacie Moskowitz’s backing vocals added a rich texture to the song. Geoff Saba’s synths and electric guitar infused the track with a subtle yet significant edge. Each musician’s contribution was distinct yet harmoniously integrated, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience. This ensemble effort highlighted Barkats’ ability to bring together diverse talents to craft something truly beautiful.
The lyrics of “Jewels” were another aspect that struck a personal chord with me. Alek Barkats’ reflections on finding comfort in routine and the anxiety of fleeting joy felt incredibly relatable. His words, “You have to go through so much trial and error to know how to build joy for yourself,” echoed my own struggles and triumphs in maintaining happiness amidst life’s uncertainties. The song’s message was clear: joy is not a given but something we must actively cultivate, especially when the world feels unstable.
I had a stronger connection to the song “Jewels” since the music video extended the concepts of the song visually. I was hooked in the first scene right away, which included a close-up of a man’s legs tapping in time to the music. Observing him move in rhythm with the music was a deeply basic yet captivating experience. The man’s movements flowed naturally with the lively pace as the movie went through several scenes. This happy, rhythmic visual dance reflected my personal quest for contentment and stability in day-to-day living.
The presence of two lovely dogs in the video was one of its cutest moments. Their lighthearted exchanges gave the video an extra dimension of coziness and happiness, which enhanced its visual appeal and emotional appeal. I started to smile and felt a connection to the basic joys that the film portrayed. It served as a reminder of the little pleasures in life that, even in the middle of chaos, give it significance.
The addition of female background vocals at the song’s crescendo gave it an exquisite refinement and deepened the track’s emotional impact. I felt hopeful and satisfied after listening to the song’s last seconds because of this component and the way the instrumentation changed throughout. Barkats’ ability to produce a symphonic experience that was both sophisticated and approachable was demonstrated by the painstaking arrangement of the instruments, which ranged from the violin’s strings to the cello and saxophone’s deep tones.
Upon reflection, “Jewels” struck me as having genuine beauty in the way it reflected my own experience of finding joy in the ordinary. Together, the song and video produced a whole experience that was both contemplative and upbeat. It served as a reminder that, if we take the time to look for it, joy can be found in the ordinary and a celebration of life’s small joys. I highly suggest spending some time listening to and watching Barkats’ “Jewels,” which is more than simply a song. It’s an encouragement to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary things in life. Like it did for me, you’re bound to feel uplifted and reassured by the experience.
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