Every once in a while you hear a guitarist who sounds like they were born with six fingers on their fretting hand. London-born multi-instrumentalist James Blackshaw is one of them. His otherworldly understanding of the instrument has garnered comparisons to such masters as Jack Rose, Bert Jansch, Robbie Basho, Leo Kottke, and of course, John Fahey. But it would be a shortcut to describe Blackshaw’s music as folk or new age. Even though there are audible influences you could trace back to the dexterous discipline of Fahey’s Takoma Records, Blackshaw has the power to take the 12-string into previously uncharted territories.
His contribution to All Saints Records’ Greater Lengths compilation is a great example of this. Blackshaw reimagines Roger Eno’s 1988 composition “Between Tides.” Originally an instrumental piano piece, Blackshaw’s reinterpretation uses an electric 12-string, organ, and drums to create nearly tangible topographies of lush, sonic landscapes.
It opens with desolate, sparse beauty, sounding a bit like an electric take on Bruce Langhorne’s acoustic score for Peter Fonda’s 1971 directorial debut, The Hired Hand. As analog keyboard lines slowly seep into the mix, it’s easy to be reminded of early ’70s recordings by Bo Hansson—though Blackshaw foregoes progressive arrangements in favor of simple melodies. It’s the softly skittering drums that add the final dimension, lifting the song off the ground with a comforting, airy mantra. jamesblackshaw.tumblr.com
Funk-guitar wiz and Wong Noteshost Cory Wong flips the script and sits in the 100 Guitarists guest chair. Wong cleared his schedule to talk about one Nile Rodgers’ work on the Halo 2 soundtrack. We were lucky that got him to return our call, but we did move on quickly.
Wong is a scholar of all things rhythm guitar—and that means all things Nile. We talk about how the Hitmaker voices his progressions—“You hear Nile play a chord progression … and it’s that song”—and the role of rhythm guitar in general. Cory delivers his list of best Nile performances, tips for direct guitar sounds, and most surprising Nile collabs.
Ever wonder what it would sound like if Nile Rodgers produced David Lee Roth covering Willie Nelson? Give a listen and drop us a know when you check it out for yourself.
