(This review was first published in issue 51 of Shindig! magazine)
A live LP collated from
the final two shows of a month long hometown residency, Land of
Plenty showcases two musicians at the top of their game. Ryley
Walker is perhaps today's most fêted finger-style guitarist, his
Primrose Green album almost certain to feature in the end of
year polls. He's joined by fellow Chicago resident and Darts And
Arrows guitarist Bill MacKay for seven instrumentals which merge
folk, jazz, blues, early music and ragas.
As with all great
improvisational music, the pair push, compliment and inspire each
other. Such seat-of-the-pants playing echoes Davy Graham's flights of
fancy, the intuitive understanding of Jansch and Renbourn, and the
emotional playing of Vini Reilly.
The heavy stereo mix
(Bill to the left, Ryley the right) allows for isolated listening,
though it's really all about interplay and counterpoint. With moods
ranging from mournful, to contemplative, to celebratory, the music is
always tasteful, fluid, and inspired.
Click here for Bill MacKay's website.
Click here for Ryley Walker's website.
Click here for Whistler Records.
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