Norman Blake – Day by Day : Review by Cameron Knowler

Petal Motel is pleased to publish this piece by musician/author/artist Cameron Knowler. We’re aware of Norman Blake’s relevance in the world of guitar and banjo music mainly through getting to know Cameron, and who better to discuss Norman’s latest release on Smithsonian Folkways than his #1 admirer? Day by Day, a collection of both originals and trad tunes, is out 10/22.

Day By Day is the latest recording effort by every left-of-center folk guitarist’s hero, Norman Blake. Through his storied history as a quiet sideman, iconoclastic frontman, and earnest steward of America’s most goggled-at acoustic instruments, Blake’s work exists as a handshake. To quote him in a 1980 performance with The Rising Fawn String Ensemble, “what you see is what you get, there. No more, no less.” This statement is especially true of the last fifteen years as he and his partner/collaborator, Nancy Blake, have cut back their touring schedule to enjoy a quiet life in their community of Rising Fawn; a place Norman has spent nearly his whole life living in and documenting through his art. This presentation eschews mainstream attention, making it no surprise that Norman did not want to conduct any interviews surrounding the release of this project. 

The record comprises nine tracks, four traditional and five original, all of which were done in a single take. Like much of Blake’s later output, his penchant for ornamentation is even further subdued, allowing him to render both the traditional and original cuts with rich transparency. For long-time listeners of Blake, tracks like “The Dying Cowboy” will come as a logical, yet exciting rendition that builds on the artist’s history of rendering plaintive story songs and character pieces. On the other hand, “When The Roses Bloom” and “My Home’s Across the Blue Ridge Mountains” will scratch the itch of those folks who are accustomed to Blake’s frequent reimaginings of The Carter Family, one of his most deeply held influences. Seeing this collection as an extension of Norman’s entire output, it is clear that the embodiment of bygone musical traditions is essential to his craft; not only in material, but in practice as well. 

In response to an onlooker’s surprise that the Blake’s play their own material for enjoyment, Nancy says: “Our music, the way we play it, helps me define my reality. And, since it is my reality, or a reflection of a part of it… sure, why not play it?” Taking heed of this statement, we may better understand the nature of this project, its title, and even its cover; a deeply personal snapshot of an American treasure who can be held at his word.

-Cameron Knowler

Get Day by Day on Bandcamp.

About Cameron:

Cameron Knowler is multi-instrumentalist, educator, and recording artist who specializes in jazz, bluegrass and old time music forms. He has established himself as an accompanist, collaborator and solo artist, with a parallel focus on sharing his craft with others. His teaching methods are tailored to the aspirations of the student, methods which are rooted in practicality, theory, and intuition. Knowler holds a degree in jazz guitar performance from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, yet enjoys resisting the chokehold of normativism. He is based out of Los Angeles, California.

You can get Cameron’s transcriptions of Norman Blake’s music as well as his book on guitar music here; and listen to his music on Bandcamp.