Chuck Johnson has cemented his reputation as a master of solo guitar with his critically acclaimed solo albums ‰ÛÏCrows in the Basilica‰ (Three Lobed, 2013) and ‰ÛÏBlood Moon Boulder‰ (Scissor Tail, 2015) perfecting his modernist style of American fingerpicking over the course of those two albums.
‰ÛÏVelvet Arc‰ finds Johnson returning to territory he explored in bands like Idyll Swords and Spatula, utilizing an expanded lineup of like-minded musicians to augment his captivating guitar stylings including drummer Alex Vittum & bassist Ben Bracken on most tracks.
‰ÛÏVelvet Arc‰ finds Johnson fading into view with opening track ‰ÛÏAs I Stand Counting‰, it‰۪s desert-dusted guitar raga appearing like a mirage as the rhythm section rises in the mix. Similarly, ‰ÛÏEverything at Once‰s picks & strums hang in the air buoyed by the steady swells of crashing cymbals & bass. Side A closer ‰ÛÏAnamet‰ may sound familar to fans - the tune is a re-working of ‰ÛÏPrivate Violence‰ from ‰ÛÏBlood Moon Boulder‰, with added cello, a long synth outro, and a more psychedelic mix overall. Johnson‰۪s tenacity & constant evolution as a musician is representative in this track alone; he is an artist constantly in flux, refining & reworking like any good craftsman. Side B features more of Johnson‰۪s lauded fingerpicking style on tracks like ‰ÛÏVelvet Arc‰, ‰ÛÏRoadside Auspice‰ & ‰ÛÏThe Pace‰, while album closer ‰ÛÏMiddle Water‰ hums along contentedly with violin by Marielle Jakobsons.
‰ÛÏVelvet Arc‰ is an album finding Johnson playing at the top of his game, unafraid to re-evaluate & redefine himself any chance he can get.
RIYL: John Fahey, Solar Motel Band, Steve Gunn, Daniel Bachman, Gun Outfit
‰ÛÏVelvet Arc‰ finds Johnson returning to territory he explored in bands like Idyll Swords and Spatula, utilizing an expanded lineup of like-minded musicians to augment his captivating guitar stylings including drummer Alex Vittum & bassist Ben Bracken on most tracks.
‰ÛÏVelvet Arc‰ finds Johnson fading into view with opening track ‰ÛÏAs I Stand Counting‰, it‰۪s desert-dusted guitar raga appearing like a mirage as the rhythm section rises in the mix. Similarly, ‰ÛÏEverything at Once‰s picks & strums hang in the air buoyed by the steady swells of crashing cymbals & bass. Side A closer ‰ÛÏAnamet‰ may sound familar to fans - the tune is a re-working of ‰ÛÏPrivate Violence‰ from ‰ÛÏBlood Moon Boulder‰, with added cello, a long synth outro, and a more psychedelic mix overall. Johnson‰۪s tenacity & constant evolution as a musician is representative in this track alone; he is an artist constantly in flux, refining & reworking like any good craftsman. Side B features more of Johnson‰۪s lauded fingerpicking style on tracks like ‰ÛÏVelvet Arc‰, ‰ÛÏRoadside Auspice‰ & ‰ÛÏThe Pace‰, while album closer ‰ÛÏMiddle Water‰ hums along contentedly with violin by Marielle Jakobsons.
‰ÛÏVelvet Arc‰ is an album finding Johnson playing at the top of his game, unafraid to re-evaluate & redefine himself any chance he can get.
RIYL: John Fahey, Solar Motel Band, Steve Gunn, Daniel Bachman, Gun Outfit