The intensely grooving "Peace of Mind” is the sophomore single from multi-instrumentalist Morgan Guerin's forthcoming album, Tales of the Facade. As the album peers into the thoughts and feelings around vulnerability and revealing authenticity, this song is an incessant plea for balance and serenity in post-pandemic times.
Guerin’s new single features vocals by singer Debo Ray and emcee Kokayi, as well as guitarist Matthew Stevens, drummer Jongkuk Kim and trumpeter Milena Casado. However, "Peace of Mind" features the bandleader on all keyboards, reeds, bass, percussion, and sound design. Many of Guerin’s original ideas and sounds in the song's demo phase made it to the finished product.
"I had the basic track that I sent to Kokayi in early 2022, and it represented some of the ideas and feelings I had then," Guerin tells WRTI. "There is healing that comes from the predictability of melody and form."
While the message is echoed by way of Kokayi's rhythmic and skillful wordplay and Ray's melodically rich statements, Guerin’s driving and danceable production is the elixir that keeps on giving. He has found his own method for combining sounds for the brain and the body.
In the context of the album, which arrives on May 10, "Peace of Mind" is sequenced between a composition that addresses dealing with self-doubt ("We Are More”) and moves toward healing ("Ginger Ale"). But Guerin's ode to calm stands tall on its own as a representation of the sound he employs to reach a multi-generational audience. He is a trusted collaborator with the likes of Terri Lyne Carrington, Tyshawn Sorey and esperanza spalding. Guerin draws on those experiences to craft his own language of groove to promote wellness and a healthy transparency.
“I’m not sure why, but sometimes, it’s easier to observe than to engage,” Guerin says. “But it’s OK to say, ‘I need help’ and to express vulnerability. Acknowledgement is important.”
Morgan Guerin’s Tales Of The Facade will be released on Candid Records on May 10; preorder here.
