Welcome Farewell

Limited 180gm colored vinyl LP pressing. Kris Gruen writes songs about grownup life infused with a mystic wonder, softening the world's sharp edges like a glass of exceptionally fine bourbon. Kris grew up steeped in classic records. His Americana-influenced new folk is grounded in the tradition of great narrative songwriters like Cat Stevens and Paul Simon, yet Kris's voice is strikingly current. A New York City native who has put down roots in Vermont, Kris effortlessly blends sagacious wit and emotional depth. Produced by longtime collaborator Charles Newman (Magnetic Fields, The Bones of J.R. Jones, Kate Vargas), "Welcome Farewell" does more than evoke the white pine forests, stream beds, and family relationships that punctuate Gruen's existence in Vermont. "This record has a lot of honest writing and craft, and generous performances by some of my favorite players, with whom I feel so lucky to share creative spaces," says Gruen. "Welcome Farewell" was made before and during this enormously transformative time for all of us, and though much of the narrative is personal, it feels like it may be one of the most inclusive and inviting works I've put together so far.