Cedar Grove, by Blurstem

Cedar Grove

by Blurstem

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	1.	Amber Mornings 03:56
	2.	Southwest Shores (feat. Alex Berglund) 03:22
	3.	Corvidae (feat. Be Still the Earth) 02:16
	4.	Silver Oaks 02:05
	5.	Innocence Forgiven 02:14
	6.	Waking Drift 02:25
	7.	Sentiment (feat. Be Still the Earth) 03:05
	8.	Onnos 03:34
	9.	Onnos (Reprise) 01:30
	10.	Motionome 02:49
	11.	This, Here 02:07

about

Since its debut with Among the Oaks in 2019, Blurstem has always been about capturing the quiet, raw beauty of late-night piano improvisations—fragile, human, and deeply personal. Now, with Cedar Grove, Minneapolis-based composer Chris Bartels returns to that essence, crafting what feels like a direct continuation of that first album, a “Chapter 2” in both mood and spirit.

Eight albums in, Cedar Grove marks a return to the spinet piano that started it all—dusty, slightly out of tune, always imperfect, but full of character. The muted hammers, the creaks of the bench, the soft weight of Bartels’ playing—every detail is left intact, giving the album an almost tactile warmth. Delicate, layered string arrangements weave in and out, complementing the improvisational feel of the piano. The result is a deeply human collection of pieces, shaped by the quiet solitude of late nights, where music emerges naturally, without pretense.

Where some Blurstem albums have explored broader sonic landscapes, Cedar Grove stays close to home—intimate, minimal, unfiltered. It’s the sound of hushed moments, of notes barely played but fully felt. A reflection of where it all began, and where it continues to grow.

credits

released July 17, 2025

Written by Chris Bartels.
Southwest Shores written by Chris Bartels and Alex Berglund.
Corvidae & Sentiment written by Chris Bartels and Marshall Usinger (Be Still the Earth).

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about

Blurstem Minneapolis, Minnesota

Blurstem, Minneapolis producer Chris Bartels’ neoclassical-ambient project, expands its sonic horizons with Ocelli. Bartels aimed to elevate the sound with a blend of intimate moments and grandiose landscapes. Initially minimalist piano improvisations, Blurstem has since expanded into a blend of minimalist intimacy juxtaposed with expansive grandeur. ... more

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