so... from what I can gather, James Blackshaw is a London-based finger-picking 12-string guitar prodigy in his mid-20s who creates long-form experimental music. (shit, that's a lot of hyphenated words for one person.) this guy is amazing, both in terms of skill and creativity. he follows in the footsteps of more well-known artists like John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Robbie Basho, and Peter Walker (fun trivia fact: Blackshaw actually appeared on a recent Peter Walker tribute compilation). what separates Blackshaw from a lot of the stifling sameness of the folk-raga "revival" is that he takes the groundwork that's been laid for him and makes it uniquely his own.
on Blackshaw's earlier records, it was just him, his formidable finger-picking skills and a delay pedal; now on The Glass Bead Game, his most recent album, he adds way more depth and atmosphere with vocals, piano, strings, some wind instruments, and even a harmonium, apparently. the overall effect is almost intoxicating in its strange, lush, languid beauty.
here's a video of him playing a shortened, sparser version of the gorgeous album opener, "Cross."
James Blackshaw - The Glass Bead Game [2009]
download it
myspace.com/jamesblackshaw
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