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Jim Kimo West: More Guitar Stories
By"Mele Ahiahi-Evening Song" opens the set with a gentle evocation of the evening. Despite the Hawaiian title, it has more of a general Americana sound, with the unique coloration of West's pedal steel imitation in the accompaniment. "Windward" has more of a band sound, led by Charlie Bisharat's violin, with a fine Jimmy Johnson fretless bass solo as well. In fact, the whole album includes a larger cast of guest musicians than its predecessor. "Birimintingo" is a term from West African kora playing. West employs two slack-key tuned guitars to create a remarkable emulation of that instrument's sound, as well as a West African feel.
"Tin Roof Shing-A-Ling" sounds like a rural village party, with a funky feel aided by Ben Powell's violin and Dan Lutz's upright bass (both players also contributed to the first album). The beautiful ballad "Moonbow" features a singing Moog guitar part (not a synthesizer, but an electric guitar with unique sustain and filter possibilities) accompanied by a string orchestra and cellist Simone Vitucci (another veteran of the previous record). "The Lydian Sea" takes inspiration from Indian classical music. The picture is completed by Cenk Erdogan's fretless guitar (sounding like a sarod) and two Indian percussionists. West's only solo guitar track, the slack key blues "Sugar Cane Blues" demonstrates his potent storytelling skills without accompaniment.
It is hard to imagine a fan of finger-style guitar playing who would not find something to like here. West is in full command as guitarist and composer, crafting a diverse series of musical portraits, with the aid of a large cast of empathetic guest players. Here's hoping for a shorter wait until the next installment.
Track Listing
Mele Ahiahi-Evening Song; Windward; Birimintingo; Paniolo Starlight; Tin Roof Shing-A-Ling; Moonbow; Green Islands; The Lydian Sea; Sugar Cane Blues; Soul Motion.
Personnel
Kimo West
guitar, acousticJimmy Johnson
bassM.B. Gordy
percussionCharlie Bisharat
violinDan Lutz
bass, acousticSimone Vitucci
celloCenk Erdogan
guitarT.J. Troy
tablasAdditional Instrumentation
Jim Kimo West: slack key guitar, acoustic “pedal steel” guitar, Teisco electric guitar, Moog guitar, mandolin, electric baritone guitar, prepared guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, soprano guitar, dobro, baritone acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, keyboards, mbira, shaker, finger cymbals, percussion, string orchestration
Album information
Title: More Guitar Stories | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Westernmost Records
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About Kimo West
Instrument: Guitar, acoustic
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