Myles Cochran’s album “You Are Here” is a masterful blend of genres that reflects his rich and varied musical heritage. Raised in Kentucky during a time when country music was both omnipresent and paradoxically uncool, Cochran absorbed a wide array of influences, from the Modern Jazz Quartet and Bach to the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. This eclectic background manifests in “You Are Here,” a work that defies simple categorization, blending twang, jazz, folk, and chamber music into a cohesive whole.
The album, primarily instrumental, invites listeners into a dreamlike soundscape where lilting steel guitar melds seamlessly with dusty standup bass, soaring cellos, and Cochran’s intricate acoustic and electric guitar work, all enhanced by subtle electronic production. This sonic tapestry is not just background music; Cochran’s compositions, though devoid of words, are structured like songs, with clear build-ups and dramatic payoffs that convey a deep sense of atmosphere and emotion.
Cochran’s description of the music as “ambient Americana” captures the essence of the album, though he insists that the emotional palette is broad and multifaceted. Created during a time of widespread loss and mourning, the music is tinged with a sense of melancholia, yet it is not a dirge. Instead, it feels spirited and alive, imbued with a gentle defiance. Cochran’s ability to draw from a wellspring of American styles, infusing them with his own experiences of displacement and migration, results in music that feels both ancient and contemporary.
Living between Devon and East London, Cochran half-jokingly calls himself a “displaced Kentuckian.” His music reflects this sense of rootlessness and the quest for a place to call home. Yet, as he notes, “You Are Here” is less about a physical place and more about an emotional and spiritual journey. Kentucky’s imprint is undeniable, but the album transcends any single locale, instead offering a mosaic of sensations and experiences.
“You Are Here” is a testament to Cochran’s songwriting acumen and his ability to weave disparate influences into a unified, evocative sound. It is an album that invites deep listening and contemplation, revealing new layers with each play. For those willing to embark on this musical journey, the reward is a richly textured and profoundly moving experience
MYLES COCHRAN ONLINE