James Blackshaw: Litany of Echoes
Label: Tompkins Square
In terms of the element of surprise, not much can top popping a James Blackshaw CD in the player and immediately hearing solo piano, as is the case here. But since he plays that piano in a way that fits perfectly into his style, it’s more an expansion of his sonic possibilities than a change in direction, and he plays 12-string guitar on the rest of the disc until piano returns on the final track, helped out by Fran Bury on violin and viola for a bit more sonic variety. Most of the time this is a bit more stripped down and intimate than his other recent releases, but it always offers the quietly meditative flow Blackshaw’s so good at. Comparisons to other guitarists are now besides the point: Blackshaw has established himself as a one-of-a-kind artist. (Steve)
