Garreson - Monte (2025)

Garreson has a new album Monte, which features saved voicemails left by Garreson’s grandfather Monte Garrison, who was a country Western singer and musician and supported his grandson’s parallel passion for songwriting and music. Garreson named his album for his grandfather, and the songs weave a tightly supported tapestry of family talent, love, and generational support.

The first message is one of support and encouragement: “I was just thinking to myself you’ve got more talent than most people. You need to give it a try. You can do it.” And then the second track “Like Hell” is a Garreson’s first of several tributes to his grandfather who has since passed away, “you’re gone and I still feel so much.” It’s mournful and relatable as Garreson confesses the self-sabatoge that comes with grieving and sorrow. “Honey I’ll tell you the truth, it’s always been about you, I wish it wasn’t so f-ing hard.”

After the emotionally authentic tone has been set by the first songs, “High” follows, with a significant identification of being high on life: “if you knew me well you would see I’m high because the wind carries me.” In “Alright Now” Garreson’s hushed presentation shows his talent for approaching listeners from heart to heart, as he croons about standing up for what’s right: “I’m heavy with doubt, but I won’t turn around now, I won’t back down, baby it’s alright now.”

“Let it Go” is a song written by Monte which is has lap steel by Kevin Hahn and is a poignant classic old-style country sound. You can feel yourself transported to a late night slow dance in a dark bar with your love. It’s solid good songwriting, and a nice two-generational display of talent, as Garreson’s singing is superb.