Photo: Dean Drouillard

With a reputation as a formidable guitarist in his native Canada, Dean Drouillard has been cutting his teeth as a sideman with artists and bands like Donovan Woods, Great Lake Swimmers, Rose Cousins, Joshua Van Tassel and Justin Rutledge for many years. The Toronto multi-instrumentalist is gearing up to release a new full-length album titled Mirrors and Ghosts. Described as his most personal and introspective collection of songs yet, Mirrors and Ghosts “it’s an instrumental exploration that delves into the evocative musical landscapes which originally sparked his passion for music”. With his atmospheric guitar as the central voice, Drouillard masterfully handled all instruments on the album, combined with improvisation.

Mirrors and Ghosts will see the light of day on November 1st and ahead of it Drouillard is enticing us with lead single ‘Portland’, an immersive, engrossing and evocative song. ‘Portland’ “reflects the memory of a drive through Portland Oregon’s distinct neighborhoods and over its iconic bridges, reflecting the city’s mix of tranquility and tension”, as the press release describes. “Passing through a muted but chaotic sonic evolution, the song transitions to forests and foothills, conveying a serene departure from the urban environment with layered and overlapping Steve Reich’esque guitars providing a sense of peace and contentment”. Drouillard has also made a video to accompany the single and you can check it out below.