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Jake Armerding performs in the Radio Heartland studio

Jake Armerding performs in the Radio Heartland studio.
Jake Armerding performs in the Radio Heartland studio.Mary Mathis | MPR
  Play Now [29:43]

by Mike Pengra

June 13, 2019

Jake Armerding - Musicland (Live at Radio Heartland)
by MPR
Jake Armerding - Hipster Lullaby (Live at Radio Heartland)
by MPR
Jake Armerding - Gumboots (Live at Radio Heartland)
by MPR

"Music allows us to see things that are beautiful, and to recognize things that are true."

That's a direct quote from Boston musician Jake Armerding after I told him that one of his songs makes me happy. He's so right.

I was reacting to a song Jake and his trio played live in the studio in a session this week to promote the release of his new album, Sweet Octave. Jake is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and the album focuses on songs Jake has written using the octave violin — which is nearly the same size as a violin, but has thicker strings and is tuned an octave below standard violin tuning. The result gives the instrument more of a cello-like sound at times.

Jake visited the Radio Heartland studio for a session where he did a couple of songs from the album and one that stood alone.

Songs Performed


"Musicland"
"Hipster Lullaby"
"Gumboots"

Personnel


Jake Armerding - octave violin, mandolin, vocals
Matt Patrick - bass
Dan Lawonn - cello

Hosted and produced by Mike Pengra
Engineered by Michael Demark and Adam Biel
Visuals by Mary Mathis

Jake Armerding - Bandcamp