"Imaginational Anthem Volume Two"

Not only can a Various Artist collection succeed thematically, but it can shine due to a curator's impeccable taste, and Imaginational Anthem 2 is a nearly flawless collection. Whereas the first volume featured acoustic guitarists from the past and present, this volume seems more forward-looking, slightly more focused on the newer guitarists who have their future stretching out in front of them.

 

Tompkins Square

Youngster James Blackshaw opens the disc with his echoing, shimmering 12-string bliss.  If there's anybody left who hasn't got this year's O True Believers yet, it's time to. "River of Heaven" is appropriately titled.  Jose Gonzales' nylon string plucking has a very distinct style that is warm and inviting, and I recognize his talent but I can't help but think his best songs are all cover tunes and his fan base are due to TV commercials.  His song, "Suggestions," is a short instrumental piece which is endearing and pleasant.

Peter Long, Jesse Sparhawk, and Michael Chapman all provide beautiful pieces, but the lightning fingered mayhem of the 1975 recording of Fred Gerlach's "Devil's Brew," the following atypical tuning and playing of Christina Carter's "Ascend Mem," and the hillbilly speed of Billy Faier's "New World Coming" are standout tracks, more because they're so unique in this collection when pared with the more introspective and calm pieces of the other players.

Jack Rose's bit, "Cross the North Fork II" is the strong and bright music his fans have come to worship but while Sharron Kraus' "Looking for the Hermit's Cave" is a nice tune, it seems like she's included simply because of her legendary status and this certainly isn't one of her top notch moments. The collection ends with a live +10 minute recording of Robbie Basho from 1969 courtesy of Glen Jones (featured on volume one), and while it's a poor recording it's an illuminating glimpse at 37-year-old evidence of acoustic guitarists unbound to the folk/pop framework which seems to have blossomed again only recently.

At 12 songs, I feel this is enough—any more would be overkill. With any luck, more Imaginational Anthem volumes will follow, as there are constantly new artists emerging and there's a vast sea of important guitarists to tap in to. My only vote for the next round would be to finally give somebody like Andreas Martin his due!

samples:

• James Blackshaw - River of Heaven
• Jesse Sparhawk - Light Cycle/Tetrahedra
• Jack Rose - Cross the North Fork II