Essential Guitar Records – Bandcamp Shopping List for Winter 2022
You know I’m a slut for acoustic finger-style (or flat-pick, or electric, really any kind of soft->shred->soli guitar playing). I asked – many Twitter friends delivered. Here are a bunch of newer guitar (ok, I also added a few non-guitar, but, stringed-instrumental) albums (most recently released or about-to-be-released) that are just… music to my ears.
Ernie Francestine – The Quiet Shift
Some of the prettiest playing I’ve heard in a while. Distinct & delicate. Keep your eye out for new stuff from Ernie to be released on War Hen Records sometime this year.
Duncan Park – Invoking the Flood
Duncan has a sheath of really beautiful, classical guitar records- this one is more experimental and out there than the previous, using field recordings and pan flute to add an air of mysticism. Via Ramble Records.
Jeff Parker – Forfolks
Unique and mesmerizing, this should have been on my best of 2021 list but it was released after I wrote it via International Anthem. A true master.
Ethan Sherman – Indoor Vistas
Not guitar soli, instead, a modern, experimental take featuring an orchestra of instruments associated with bluegrass, but extremely cosmic. Truly a pastoral dream.
Daytime Moon – Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a bouquet of contemplative, intimate guitar soli compositions that will transport listeners to the Mojave desert where it was made. Out 2/25.
Ryan Dugre – Look See
Timeless, atmospheric, plaintive compositions. Out 2/18 on Ruination Records.
Ballaké Sissoko – A Touma
This isn’t guitar , it’s kora- a 21-stringed West African instrument. Sissoko’s playing is absolutely celestial. Out now on Nø Førmat.
Shane Parish – Liverpool
Reimagined sea shanties that transcend the time-sound continuum. Out 3/4 on Dear Life Records.
Kino Doscun & Youthie – Sabir
Also not gutiar, instead this duo uses târ, saz, oud, viola da gamba, accordion and horns to create a multi-layered, mesmerizing listening experience. Out now on Mercaba Music .
The Modern Folk – Briery Branch
Heady, heavy acoustic guitar stylings with natural elements and double-bass adding a little extra oomph. Out now on Ramble Records.
D.C. Cross – Hot-wire the Lay-low (Australian escapist pieces for guitar)
Lovely, classical Australian primitive picking. Out 2/9 on No Drums Records.
Sebastiano Rizzato – ELETTRICA
An all-electric, electrifying but somehow soft and gentle instrumental flow from Italia.
