Thank God for Google Reader. Without it I probably wouldn’t have checked Mark McGuire’s blog and found out that he was playing in LA as part of the VDSQ solo acoustic West Coast tour. He along with Joshua Blatchley, Allen Karpinski, Matt Mullane and Chris Brokaw performed brief solo acoustic sets last night at the Show Cave in Glassell Park.
Chris Brokaw took the stage first and played a half-dozen songs. He mixed some of his pop songs with more intricate, vocal-less compositions. I’ve seen him live a few times before and always love to watch him perform. I think everyone in the room felt bad/awkward when a photographer got right up in his face in the middle of a song while Brokaw was trying to sing. A simple “Stop it” sent the kid away in a hurry, and caused more than a few chuckles to emanate from the crowd. If you’re unfamiliar with Brokaw’s solo work (I’m sure most people recognize the name as he’s most-well-known as a member of Codeine, Come and The New Year) you should definitely seek out Red Cities and Incredible Love. Although, for what it’s worth, my favorite track he’s ever composed is a track of an EP called “My Confidante”.
Allen Karpinski took the stage next and treated everyone to some beautiful Fahey-ish folk numbers. His flawless, vibrant guitar playing was really fun to watch. I’m pretty sure he only played two pieces, but they were each fantastic. I would have liked to hear more, but I guess I can always pick up his VDSQ release.
Matt Mullane was third on the bill and I think of the musicians I was unaware of going into the show he impressed me the most. His technique was impeccable and his elegant long-form compositions were really impressive. The feel was way more classical and precise than the dreamy folk fingerstyle playing of his experimental guitar brethren. It was a joy to watch him perform.
Mark McGuire was probably the guitarist I was most excited to see and his set was indeed a treat. Unless my eyes deceived me he was the only musician of the night to employ effects pedals with his acoustic guitar. The loops that he built were fantastic. The first piece he played sounded like acoustic Brian Eno with just a hint of his typical kosmiche-style leads. He then constructed a wonderful loop using the body of his guitar as a percussion instrument to add a beat to his composition. Lastly he played an upbeat, hard-strumming number, all ascending major-chords and leads. I was kind of shocked by that one, in a good way. Ever since my ex-girlfriend from college tried to introduce me to Howie Day I’ve absolutely hated acoustic guitars played through loop pedals, but McGuire made it sound fresh and exciting.
Joshua Blatchley ended the night by taking things back to the fingerstyle playing that fans of American Primitive and ragtime music so enjoy. Evocative, superb transitional folk compositions in the vain of James Blackshaw (the older albums), Robbie Basho or Jack Rose.
It was fun to see the five different guitarists showcase their interpretations of solo acoustic guitar music. Each performer possessed worlds of talent. Although their playing and composing styles differed, it was obvious why each musician was there last night: To showcase the modern guitar avant-garde. There’s so much more to guitar playing than traditional methods. Thanks, VDSQ!
Mark McGuire – Front Porch Breeze
