Glenn Jones is one of the finest modern exponents of American Primitivism, a style that was developed by John Fahey whose Takoma label became a stronghold for those seeking a way of playing guitar beyond the strait-jacket of convention. Jones is no stranger to unusual tunings and half capos but the whilst some may marvel at the technical mastery and finger-work what’s more alluring is how he arrived there in the first place. The minimalist sound he creates is more than just a clever use of a small sonic palette, what he conveys within that is remarkable and it is something he does by instinct and feel. This depth to his music is what makes it so special…it moves the listener into another realm of experience and his latest album is certainly no exception.
My Garden State was written in the New Jersey home where Glenn’s family moved in 1966, while he was caring for his mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. It was recorded by Laura Baird who also plays banjo on “Across the Tappan Zee”. Laura is the sister of Meg Baird (founding member of Espers) who also joins in on the final minutes of “Going Back to East Montgomery.”
We will be featuring more on this album as it’s a field of music we’re very passionate about…and it is for that reason that we are also very chuffed to be featuring this video premiere of Bergen County Farewell, the video was filmed by Jesse Sheppard at the Baird house in Allentown, NJ where the album was also recorded.
My Garden State is released on Thrill Jockey on May 14th 2013
frontporchproductions.org/artist/glennjones
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