Oscar Utterstrom’s latest album, ‘The Bigger Picture’, is a soothing and introspective collection that showcases his exceptional skill as a trombonist and composer. It has, like many of his previous albums, an overarching concept that is deeply connected to the art of instrumental and vocal compositions. As always, Oscar blends jazz, pop, and mellow undertones, all while using intimate and expansive musical vibes. The album, recorded with world-class musicians in Nashville, features an exquisite mix of vocal and instrumental tracks. The album starts with “Forward”, a piece that eases the listener into ‘The Bigger Picture’. Oscar sets the pace with a soothing, reflective melody, where the trombone weaves through layers of acoustic guitar and delicate percussion. It’s an inviting and relaxed first step into the larger world of the album. With his track ‘In The Bigger Picture”, Oscar goes deeper emotionally while incorporating the exquisite vocals of Molly Parden. There is a complex, yet deliberate Uchronic reflection about life and its multi-faceted traits, as well as a strong underlying urge to look beyond the surface. This is fuelled by rich sounds and profound lyrics, making it an exemplary collaborative work alongside Wayne Moore. “Home” offers a soothing vibe with its mellow rhythms and warm-sounding brass. Understated guitar and soft percussion round out the tint of comfort that Utterstrom’s trombone evokes, akin to returning home. It is a song that urges one to stop for a moment and admire the unconditional feeling of belonging and home.
“Happiness” is a feel-good, gentle song that embodies the fleeting moments of joy that life brings. The laid-back vibe makes it easy to get lost in the tune providing a brief escape from the hustle of everyday life. “Beware” brings on a slightly more cautionary tone. The music carries an unmistakable level of tension. Moore’s lyrics seem to warn of a lurking danger while the trombone gives a sense of urgency that goes paralysis deep into the listener. In “Faith”, the music becomes automatically more self-introspective, drawing upon trust and belief. The acoustic arrangements give an earthy, open nature to the piece, which makes the shift in focus from counter to the simple attention-grabbing message at hand. “Do You Remember” merges the past and present with a smooth, jazz-influenced melody that evokes a sense of nostalgia. This song brings forward thoughts from the past, where simpler times get etched in memory, that build to shape who we are. “Suddenly” stands out for its unexpected shifts in mood and tempo. The expressive voice of the trombone shows surprise, as life often brings many uncertainties. The album’s highlights include the cover of Aerosmith’s classic, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”. With clear vocals, Utterstrom applies a softer and more acoustic approach to the well-known hit that breathes more intimacy and freshness while still vulnerable in the heart. “When I’m With You” is another song that stands out, where Molly Parden’s vocals bring more warmth to the tune. There is connection and intimacy in the song which was masterfully accompanied with Utterstrom’s tender trombone and the sweet lyrics.
“Where Are You?” is somewhat melancholic, and begins with the trombone that brings the listener into a deeper and more serious space. The longing feeling in the track has greater depth because of the minimalistic instrumental arrangement and is one of the more emotional moments on the album. “Circles” is reflective and feels like a moment of realization. With life having its circles, so does the song, with its gentle rhythms and smooth brass inviting listeners to take a moment and reflect on the bigger picture of their own lives. Finally, with a serene and meditative atmosphere, “Eternal Being” brings the album to an end. These tranquil tones foster deep self-reflection which enables the listener to peacefully contemplate the enduring essence of life’s moments. Overall, ‘The Bigger Picture’ is an album that emanates inner peace and contemplation. It is, in essence, a collection that inspires you to slow down and appreciate life’s simpler moments with the combination of beautiful brass, mellow rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics exceeding calm and introspection.
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