“Brilliant, maddening, addictive....Harnetty has proved that one way to preserve history is to weave it into the moment and let it vanish in our midst while echoing forever its truths, aphorisms, superstitions, and lies." Thom Jurek, Allmusic

A precursor and a premonition, a foreshadowing and a foreboding, “Ohio National Forest” is a quiet companion to “Shawnee, Ohio” (out now on Karlrecords). Recorded with the same Shawnee ensemble––that features Paul de Jong and Anna Roberts-Gevalt among others––the instrumentals are delicate, static, and contemplative. Long tones are met with independent rhythms and subtle changes that reflect the soundscapes of the forest, located in Appalachian Ohio. For many years, Harnetty has been walking in this forest to listen and learn of its histories of mining and extraction. The album shares a common sensibility: of quiet listening, of natural rhythms, of fixed movement, and how the past can seep into our present ears.

Portions of the album were recorded at the Tecumseh Theater in Shawnee, and the sampled piano on "Tecumseh Theater" is perhaps from the same instrument Harnetty's grandfather played a century ago.

Performers:
Jeremy Woodruff, Flute and Saxophone
Katie Porter Maxwell, Bass Clarinet
Aaron Michael Butler, Vibraphone
Brian Harnetty, Piano
Anna Roberts-Gevalt, Violin
Jocelyn Hach, Violin and Viola
Paul de Jong, Cello

released February 8, 2019

Mastering: Keith Hanlon
Cover image: Tecumseh Lake, Shawnee, Ohio