It’s three in the morning, after a rainy sleepless night in your hi-rise building. Rain pours on and the world is quietly asleep, only wait. You hear something. You step into the stairwell and, yes, there’s somebody quietly playing guitar and chanting softly somewhere below. You step lightly down, level by level, not to disturb him, and perch, secretly listening from the landing above. This is how ABSOLUTE PARADISE sounds; a sleepy, blissful guitar and voice performance by Alec Watson.

Alec trained at NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY and plays piano and guitar in several local big-band lineups including TREDICI BACCI and THE WORLD WITHOUT PARKING LOTS. This recording, however, is just his guitar and himself recorded in a Boston stairwell at some remove, giving the distinct and personal atmosphere of a performance eavesdropped upon. Spirituality plays a part in opening track ‘Oh Lord’ which calls the faithful in monastic tones. This tone continues with the following track ‘Won Some’ where guitar, voice and (humorously) elevator bell blend to evoke space and smile. The musing of a man is present throughout this recording, but reaches out most poignantly on ‘All I Have To Do Is Think Of It’ and ‘The Perfect Day’ where muted echoes mask the text while amplifying feelings of longing and love. Listen late at night, and ‘Shhh’ or he’ll know we’re here.