Artist: Ethan Setiawan
Track: “Golden”
Album: Gambit (March 31, 2023)
Label: Adhyâropa Records
Genre: Bluegrass, Instrumental, Americana
At only twenty-five, mandolinist Ethan Setiawan has already shown off skill far beyond his years. Taking an interest in the instrument at a young age, Setiawan began taking lessons in high school, before going to the Berklee School of Music on a full scholarship. Since then, he has won numerous awards, become an in-demand session player, and composed and recorded his own original pieces, the latest being the excellent “Golden”.
Conjuring the classic Americana of Aaron Copland, and Yo-Yo Ma‘s Goat Rodeo sessions, “Golden” is a wild and electric piece, showcasing Setiawan’s dexterity on the instrument, along with a keen sense of melody. About the song, Setiawan has said:
“I owe some thanks to Tristan Scroggins and Brad Mehldau on this one,” says Setiawan of the track. “Tristan ran a social media challenge of writing a tune a day for a month in April 2020, and Brad is a truly one-of-a-kind, ever-inspiring musician. Through woven pieces and ever-changing harmony, I attempted to capture some of the lyricism and flowing nature of Brad Mehldau’s writing. With a double bass French horn-esque moment, this is one of my favorite tracks on the record.”
Produced and arranged by Darol Anger and joined by an excellent cast of fellow musicians, Ethan Setiawan‘s new single is a free-spirited joy to listen to, so be sure to check it out in our Check This 2023 Playlist on Spotify or Apple Music!
The Indy Review 