Jeff Gunn Maximizes the Momentum with “Vitality”
Toronto virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, and producer Jeff Gunn has shared his buoyant and brilliantly performed new single, “Vitality.”
Fresh from his newly released third album Momentum, “Vitality” showcases Gunn’s astounding technical prowess and unique use of harp harmonics for the guitar melodies throughout the piece. It’s a fast, exciting ride up and down the frets as Gunn’s fingers and palms race toward the two-and-a-half-minute finish line.
“Vitality” follows up the fall 2021 release of “Spirituous Momentous (Never Give Up Opus 2)”, an epic piece featuring collaborations from violinist Koi Anunta and Mike Sleath that sets the beatific tone that permeates throughout Momentum.
“‘Spiritus Momentous’ — and the album as a whole — are a journey that reveals the power, beauty, and versatility of the guitar,” Gunn notes. “At its heart is sonic storytelling, and finding inspiration in challenging times…”
Other stellar collaborators on the new album include guitar guru Antoine Dufour, saxophone player Dennis P, and flutist Ron Christian.
The percussive, symbiotic dance of rhythm and melody on “Vitality” is a hallmark for the whole forthcoming collection with its waves of Momentum that come and go and elevate us to new stages in life. From the first notes and throughout, the sonic possibilities of the nylon string guitar are evident. Momentum will be Gunn’s first full-length release since 2019’s Sonic Tales — and his 2020 singles, “Blinding Lights” and “For the Ages (Medieval Wedding Song)”. In 2017, he released his first album All the Roads We Take.
Watch the video for “Vitality” below, and find out more about Jeff Gunn via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a musician, author, and historian. I dedicated my life to travelling the world in my twenties having visited all seven continents. I was thirsty for adventure following university and learned so much about myself, music, and the world during that period.
I returned to Canada when I was 30 and began to pursue my music career with everything I had. Upon my return, I was hungry to share my love, knowledge, and joy from the travels and experiences I had had through my music. Soon I was performing globally with international artist Emmanuel Jal in everything from small venues and theatres to some of the world’s biggest music festivals and even a handful of stadium/arena shows. It was a transformative time as I was blessed enough to travel the world for a second time through my music, writing, and as a historian.
I also worked on my craft as a solo guitarist during this period. I had made my living as a solo guitarist in my twenties and now I was focused on writing original songs on guitar in a way that was melodic and explorative. I have always had a fascination with harmonics, harp harmonics, tapping harp harmonics, and how they can be used in melodies not just as decorative nuances. I enjoyed inhabiting two worlds – serving as musical director and guitarist for Jal and other artists on one hand and playing as a solo modern fingerstyle guitarist on the other.
What’s the best part of living in Toronto?
Living amongst the whole world in a single city. From music to food and more there is the opportunity to share, create new friendships, and new possibilities in this thriving city in every industry. After travelling the globe, it is important to me to live in a city that reflects the diversity of the world. Travel has the possibility to forever enhance and expand your perspective on so many topics and it can make you more compassionate, patient, and open-minded. Performing music in Toronto has enabled me to connect with musicians and form lifelong friendships with individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds. Together we have created some great music that has transcended all boundaries.
Tell me about the first guitar – and the last guitar – you ever bought?
My first guitar was a Yamaha acoustic. It has been said, but I recommend everyone start with an acoustic.
My latest guitar was a Fender Strat for band performances and a Godin Nylon Multiac Duet Ambiance and a Godin Multiac Nylon Encore for band and solo performances.
Who was the first artist to knock you sideways?
It wasn’t so much a single artist as it was an experience. I discovered my Dad’s records from the ’60s when I was 12 which included The Doors, The Beatles, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and many more. I remember the experience of taking each record out of the worn jacket and listening intently. This was life-changing in that I could not stop listening to these records and I had a strong yearning to play guitar and write my own songs thereafter. As for guitar, Slash was the first guitarist that inspired me to want to play.
What’s the one album by a Canadian artist that everyone should have in their collection?
An album everyone should have by a Canadian artist is Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs. Simply put, this album has it all.
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