Paste Studio “On The Road” recently paid a visit to Ilegal Mezcal in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on a sunny day full of music and beverages on the East River. Bloomsday, the musical project led by Brooklyn’s Iris James Garrison, joined us for three gorgeous tunes from their brand-new sophomore album Heart of the Artichoke.
Full Session
They began their set with the aptly named “Virtual Hug,” which while about a lost love, still will provide you one just by clicking play below.
“Virtual Hug”
Paste’s Rachel Saywitz says of the title track “Artichoke”: “Garrison seems to more clearly channel that wandering, childhood self who’s desperate to not only seek truth from friends but to share their own authenticity. Guitars flicker and soft hand drumming crackles like a low campfire, as Garrison sings softly with a light smile. Their musings may not be fully formed, but they come from somewhere strong, sturdy with a bit of fleshy softness.”
“Artichoke”
Bloomsday closes their Brooklyn Paste Session with their ode to New York, “Dollar Slice.” Joined by Isaac Stalling on lap steel, Alex Harwood on lead guitar, Chris Daley on bass and Andrew Stevens on drums, Garrison sings, “I saw God buying a dollar slice. They said, ‘Won’t you try to let go and live your life instead of wasting it.'”
“Dollar Slice”
Big thanks to Bloomsday and our friends at Ilegal Mezcal for bringing these sessions to life, and please stay tuned for more Paste x Ilegal sessions to come!