Detroit’s own Michael Varverakis steps into a fresh era with North Becomes West, a trio-driven record that feels both grounding and exploratory. Joined by drummer Jake Segall and his son Alex Varverakis on bass, he opens a new lane where jazz, folk, and rock casually flow into each other. The whole album moves like a road trip with no strict itinerary, just instinct, conversation, and trust guiding the way.
Below is a track-by-track breakdown of how this project unfolds.
1. North Becomes West: The title track sets the map. It’s slow-burning but confident, almost like the moment you switch highways and suddenly the whole scenery changes. Varverakis’s guitar tone is warm and expressive, and you instantly get the feeling that this album is going to lean into movement, shifts, and unexpected turns.
2. March to Spring: There’s a sense of thawing here, like winter finally stepping aside. The trio locks into a groove that feels optimistic without being flashy. It’s a great early-album reminder that this project is about storytelling through texture, not loud statements
3. These Days: This one feels reflective, built around steady pacing and a slightly heavier emotional weight. It’s the kind of track that sneaks up on you, especially with how the guitar phrases drift in and out like half-finished thoughts.
4. South Becomes East: A sister piece to the opener, but with a different emotional pull. The rhythm section gets more active here, giving Varverakis the space to wander melodically. It’s exploratory, almost like retracing old steps but looking at them with new eyes.
5. Dreamlike: The title says it all. The trio moves like they’re floating, but there’s enough detail in the playing to keep you locked in. It’s meditative without getting sleepy, one of the album’s smoothest rides.
6. Six Suede Shoes: Inspired by Charlie Parker’s “Little Suede Shoes,” this is where the group really steps on the gas. It’s playful, quick-footed, and stacked with forward motion. You can hear the joy in the interplay, everyone is reacting in real time.
7. Tahquamenon: Short, scenic, and bright. Feels like a musical snapshot of a hike, a waterfall, or a forest break. It’s crisp and refreshing.
8. Every Little Thing: A gentler piece that leans into subtlety. Varverakis lets melody guide the way, keeping things light but intentional. It’s one of the album’s softer emotional breaths.
9. Endings: Written in memory of his late parents, this is easily one of the record’s most personal moments. It’s intimate, somber, and beautifully simple. No dramatics, just honest expression
10. Synchronous: A perfect closer. The trio feels locked in, almost telepathic. It wraps up the album with a vibe that says, “Yeah, we’ve changed directions, and that’s exactly the point.”
North Becomes West feels like a chapter-turn for Michael Varverakis, steady, confident, and full of direction without ever losing its spontaneity. The trio dynamic adds layers of freedom, and the album’s theme of shifting paths shows up in the music in a way that feels natural. It’s the kind of project that rewards close listening but still works beautifully in a calm, reflective environment.
