Format
- TIM104LPLong Player £18.00
Chuck Johnson
Velvet Arc
Chuck Johnson has cemented his reputation as a master of solo guitar with his critically acclaimed solo albums 'Crows in the Basilica' Three Lobed 2013 and 'Blood Moon Boulder' Scissor Tail 2015 perfecting his modernist style of American fingerpicking over the course of those two albums 'Velvet Arc' finds Johnson returning to territory he explored in bands like Idyll Swords and Spatula utilizing an expanded lineup of likeminded musicians to augment his captivating guitar stylings including drummer Alex Vittum amp bassist Ben Bracken on most tracks 'Velvet Arc' finds Johnson fading into view with opening track 'As I Stand Counting' it 's desertdusted guitar raga appearing like a mirage as the rhythm section rises in the mix Similarly 'Everything at Once's picks amp strums hang in the air buoyed by the steady swells of crashing cymbals amp bass Side A closer 'Anamet' may sound familar to fans the tune is a reworking of 'Private Violence' from 'Blood Moon Boulder' with added cello a long synth outro and a more psychedelic mix overall Johnson's tenacity amp constant evolution as a musician is representative in this track alone he is an artist constantly in flux refining amp reworking like any good craftsman Side B features more of Johnson's lauded fingerpicking style on tracks like 'Velvet Arc' 'Roadside Auspice' amp 'The Pace' while album closer 'Middle Water ' hums along contentedly with violin by Marielle Jakobsons 'Velvet Arc' is an album finding Johnson playing at the top of his game unafraid to reevaluate amp redefine himself any chance he can get For fans of John Fahey Solar Motel Band Steve Gunn Daniel Bachman Gun Outfit
Tracklist
1. As I Stand Counting
2. Everything at Once
3. Anamet
4. Velvet Arc
5. Roadside Auspice
6. The Pace
7. Middle Water