Pressing Strings

When music is given the benefit of instinct, imagination and inspiration, the results are guaranteed to be good. So it ought to come as no surprise that the critically-acclaimed Annapolis Maryland-based trio, appropriately dubbed Pressing Strings, has infused those elements within their musical mantra the beginning. The band —Jordan Sokel (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Welker (Bass, Vocals), and Justin Kruger (Drums, Vocals) can trace its origins to Sokel’s initial fascination with some iconic influences, among them, the usual suspects — Dylan, Marley, Simon, Withers, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, etc., as well as some more under the radar artists like Taj Mahal, R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, and Nick Drake.

Fascination became fulfillment once he picked up the guitar and started writing songs. That’s when his course became clear. After growing up in New Jersey and Arizona, he eventually moved to Arnold, Maryland to attend high school and eventually university at Salisbury University. However once there, he found he began having doubts about his career choice. That’s when he made it his mission to pursue his musical muse. Still in college, he formed Pressing Strings with one of his buddies. Those early efforts, beginning in 2006, found Sokel’s desire and determination taking hold, eventually coalescing into a career that now spans seven albums — Where We Are (2008), Episodes (2010), Pressing Strings (2012), Life of a Tree (2013), Owe the Source (2015), Settle In (2020) — and two EPs — Most of Us (2016) and Morning Takes (2021), and they moist recent “…And I for You.”

“This band has had a lot of different parts and personalities over the years and if you listen closely, you can hear that in the music,” Sokel reflects. “It’s never been static; the chemistry and creativity has morphed and evolved and it’s still doing so now. However it has changed, one thing has stayed constant. Music has moved and motivated me ever since the first time I realized I could write songs and share them with an audience. That’s been my motivation ever since I was 20 years old and had my first opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. And after I learned how to record and shape songs in the studio, that was it, I was hooked.

Kruger was similarly inspired. He grew up in the Bay Area of California, the offspring of two working musicians and spent much of his youth behind soundboards and in green rooms. Like Sokel, college felt unsatisfactory so he began jumping into tour vans and onto festival stages in the western U.S. Giving him years in Jazz, Rock, Reggae, World, Country, Americana/Songwriter and even Comedy shows. After a decade plus, he moved to Maryland where he would begin again. First with the Annapolis scene. Then Baltimore city, Philadelphia, New York. Always knowing of Sokel and Welker’s forward motion and staying in close communication. JK was tapped to join full time in 2021. A singing drummer, adding 3 part harmonies and a new life to older tunes. Welker is a native of Annapolis. He first picked up the bass in 6th grade, and eventually started performing in his school’s orchestra before going on to form a band with some high school friends. He joined Pressing Strings in 2013 and has been with the group ever since.

Not surprisingly then, Pressing Strings’ newest album, And I For You, is the group’s most fully realized set of songs yet, one that touches on timeless themes that resonate and find meaning at a time when turmoil and tenacity seem so predominant within a weary world. They remind us that gratitude, devotion, and the wisdom, to recognize that even in the midst of uncertainty, there are virtues that are important to cling to and which, in turn, can ultimately lead to true satisfaction.

The melodies reflect that upbeat optimism, from the easy, affable designs of “Down for You” and “We Will Be Alright” to the instantly engaging sound of “Weather the Storm,” the playful yet persistent “No One Else” and the emotive and expressive “Home To You.”

So too, the infectious first single, “Your Love,” immediately sums up their stance. Propelled by a catchy rhythm, soothing sentiment and absolute joy and desire. It’s an ideal introduction to the album, and like each of the songs that surround it, it immediately takes hold, and resonates well after the final notes fade away.