Patrick Hagerman Credit: Katie Caston

There was always something else about Patrick Hagerman. For one, he seemingly arrived fully formed. Even when he was a new face around here, Hagerman immediately impressed as a ripe and ready force. On the momentum of some surprisingly gripping introductory performances in 2019, Hagerman quickly earned a place in the most respected circles of the Central Florida Americana scene, where he’s proven he can hold his own onstage with the imposing likes of Hannah Harber, Terri Binion, Kaleigh Baker and other local greats.

But more than just talent, Hagerman exuded character and depth. He didn’t come with a young aura, and that was his edge. This wasn’t the spark of some 20-something taking a new shine to country spirit. This was the resonance of a grown man who’s lived a life of it. 

With maturity comes the patience and commitment to know that something’s not ready until it’s right. And so it’s only now that Hagerman’s debut full-length album is finally set for release. On May 22, Gathering Turquoise will drop — and, befitting its time on the vine, the album is a crystal and comprehensive bottling of Hagerman and everything he’s been honing these years here.

Gathering Turquoise is a well-rendered affair that captures both his patina and range. Across 10 songs, Hagerman traverses country (“Evelyn,” “Hell on Purpose,” “Roberta”), blues (“Fringe”), folk (“Walmart,” “Border War”) and Southern rock (“Valdosta”). Of the album’s highlights, the darkly lush title track packs the kind of wringing Southern-gothic drama that might make Nick Cave smirk. “Minneapolis” is a wide-winged interstate country rocker that could star on a road-trip playlist alongside Lucero or American Aquarium. And the homespun humor of the John Prine-esque “Walmart” is a prime slice of Hagerman’s raconteur flair (a sweet bit of local trivia: It namedrops Kaleigh Baker). 

Gathering Turquoise also features other Central Florida notables in even more tangible ways like Derek Engstrom (drums), Thomas Wynn (backing vocals) and Matt Walker (co-producer, guitars, vocals, bass). Though it’s a full-length debut, this album’s been cooking for a long time and it shows. 

“This record took years to become what it was supposed to be,” says Hagerman. “I wanted to make something honest. Something human. These songs came from a lot of hard-earned moments, and I hope people can find pieces of themselves in them.”

Gathering Turquoise is a work of craftsmanship that proves neither novelty nor freshness cuts as deep as experience. This is truth, not youth. The album streams everywhere Friday. That very night, Hagerman’s release show will be in Sanford at Tuffy’s Music Box with 24 Hour Karate People and Roc Helton.

7 p.m. Friday, May 22, Tuffy’s Music Box, tuffysmusicbox.com, $20

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This article appears in May 20-26, 2026.

Music columnist.