Guitarist Scott Metzger spent the past decade earning a reputation as one of the most adventurous improvisers in live music. When he wasn’t sharing the stage with the likes of Phil Lesh, John Scofield, Nels Cline, or Circles Around The Sun, he was playing to massive crowds with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD). Metzger recently announced his debut album, Too Close To Reason, coming on March 4. Metzger will support the album with a series of tour dates, including an April 1, 2022, performance at City Winery DC.

When the global pandemic darkened stages everywhere, Metzger hunkered down in Brooklyn and did what came naturally—he picked up the guitar every day and wrote instrumental music. Shortly after that, he booked time at Brooklyn recording studio, Restoration Sound, to document the guitar pieces he'd created. The result of those efforts is Too Close to Reason—Metzger's first solo album in what's already a distinguished 20-plus year career. The 12-track collection showcases a more introspective side of his musical personality. From the first swelling notes of the atmospheric "Appropriate Wattage," it's full of musical surprises, starting with the fact that Metzger plays nearly every note of this primarily acoustic guitar-based album. The sole exception is "Only Child," a ballad with Katie Jacoby, violinist for The Who (and Metzger's fiancée). 

Too Close To Reason exposes trace elements of Metzger's musical DNA through influences like Chet Atkins, Django Reinhardt, Jim Hall, and Richard Thompson. Still, it ultimately presents his own fully-formed and distinct voice as a guitarist. The through-line of Too Close To Reason is found in Scott Metzger's ability to manage conflicting tensions. He's introspective without being self-indulgent and welcoming without being a crowd-pleaser. In short, his debut reveals an artist in full bloom who has honed his craft and knows himself, contradictions and all. 

This performance is an opportunity to see Metzger in a small setting where he can show off his incredible new album. As much as we love seeing Metzger perform to large crowds performing along JRAD, we are truly looking forward to watching this gifted guitarist perform with an acoustic guitar by his side to a small audience.

To learn more about Scott Metzger, please see the following web resources:

• Webpage
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Bandcamp
• Spotify