CirdecSongs Quick Hits 8

Sometimes I find myself going down an artist’s rabbit hole. I hear a couple of tunes from a couple of albums, and just like that I have to play both albums. Or more than that, if necessary. Such was the case a few days ago.

WARR GUITAR DAY

TREY GUNN. The Warr Guitar is a fascinating instrument designed by Mark Warr. It usually has between eight and twelve strings, divided between guitar and bass tones. Sound comes primarily from tapping the fretboard (like the Chapman Stick), though it can also be strummed. Tapping allows the player to perform two lines (lead and bass) if he so desires. It’s one of those instruments I wish I could play but don’t have the attention span to even try it.

Fortunately, I have a musician like Trey Gunn to enjoy. He is a master of this instrument, having played it with King Crimson, Tu-Ner, KTU, and as a solo act, among other contexts.

Trey Gunn, who has started playing while seated to preserve his shoulder.

I’ve always been taken by a song of his called “The Glove,” which brings more than a little heat from his instrument. The tune is on a fantastic album called The Joy of Molybdenum (2000). Naturally, I have to play the whole album.

https://youtu.be/KDHl6CF_QqQ?si=Wjeje_wieTytqyFA

Then I remembered there’s a great version of this tune played in front of an audience. So, out comes Live Encounter (2001). Both albums sizzle with infectious grooves and Middle Eastern influences.

Since I came this far, I might as well go to another album of Trey’s I love, The Third Star (1996). I’m lucky enough to have a remastered copy of this brilliant work, which contains a large selection of bonus material. A great experience gets even better!

https://7dmedia.com/home

JASON BLAKE

And then there’s Chicago’s Jason Blake, an amazing player in his own right. He does fantastic work as a solo act, has recorded a couple of fantastic duet records with Drummer Of Marco Minnemann, and plays with a killer band called Aziola Prime. There’s no shortage of material to play and appreciate.

Personally, I find Jason’s playing — even with his delicate touch — is a bit more raw and aggressive than Trey, which is not a bad thing at all. His grooves are still quite infectious, and well worth checking out.