James Blackshaw - All Is Falling

(Young God)

He’s banished the acoustic twelve-string! Fear thee not, however. London’s virtuosic James Blackshaw may have (temporarily) hung up his signature instrument, but he remains a spellbinding figure throughout his ninth long-player.

Exploring the increased technical range of a slimmer-necked electric twelve-string (nimbler playing; more intricate finger-positions), Blackshaw further embellishes his typically dramatic mantras with piano, flute and violins (amongst others). The result is less loose American Primitive (Fahey / Basho); more structured contemporary classical (Nyman / Reich). It works very well.

Track titles are also revoked, but no matter: Blackshaw’s expressive melodic narratives, minimalist cycles and Romantic mantras speak for themselves.