Orange County Serenade

Still in his early twenties, Virginia steel string guitarist Daniel Bachman has plowed his way into the circle of the best American guitarists going, leaving a slew of exhilarating releases along his trail. His new release shucks off the accompanying instruments of his previous album Jesus I’m a Sinner, and many of the pieces in here are in the meditative keys of D Major/Minor, resulting in an album of intense focus. As always, RIYL all American folk guitarists (though this makes me think particularly of Leo Kottke’s 6- and 12- String Guitar). Favorites: 3, 5, 7, 8. No words, no FCCs.

1. (5:18)—Opening raga-like, minor key drone. Comes out swinging, with cascading steel strings that part to welcome an intense but less busy final third.
2. (3:58)—Slow, stark, with slide guitar.
3. *(4:28)—Tumbles along in a peppy but easygoing way. DADGAD meditations.
4. (5:12)—First half is bouncy slide. Kicks into a lower gear before coming full circle.
5. *(6:58)—Dramatic intro. Fast and tense, meandering. Becomes slower and gentler over time.
6. (3:32)—Slow, (mostly) 12-bar slide country blues.
7. *(6:42)—Heavy classical Indian influence. First half is the droning intro, second half is upbeat and faster.
8. *(2:25)—Slow, melancholy, very pretty.