Suni McGrath - Cornflower Suite (1969 -- Adelphi, AD1002S) 320 mp3 + Flac

"The music on this record is my attempt to explore and further the american acoustic guitar. I have four sources for the musics here presented: Bulgarian music for rhythmic modes and ideas, also modulation of melodic modes and harmonies; Hindustani for subtle melodic graces and ideas of variation, fahey for the conception of the art; Bartok for modal harmonies analogous to conventional western harmony, and treatment of themes." (Suni McGrath, cover notes)

In my view, Fahey, Basho & McGrath are something of a holy trinity for american primitive solo guitar. Among them, McGrath is easily the least well-known. Cornflower Suite is his outstanding first LP. This is a fresh vinyl rip by yours truly. Enjoy.

Suni McGrath - Cornflower Suite (1969 -- Adelphi, AD1002S) 

320 mp3 + Flac

Side 1

1.  Cornflower Suite   13:05

2.  Picnic On The Moor   2:21

3.  Garden Of Afternoon   6:15

Side 2

1.  Winged Sandal   4:15

2.  Pea Plucker's Pavane  4:29

3.  Xopo   4:18

4.  Blue Domes Of Isfahan   4:29

5.  Parting Dance   3:20

Suni McGrath- Childgrove (Adelphi, 1972)

The 3rd LP from American 12-string guitarist, Suni McGrath. A recent and highly appreciated gift from our friend Owl. Right-off, I've been taken-in by McGrath's stellar rendition of "The Star of the County Down". His picking resonates with a sort of heart-sick, contemplative elegance that I'm just a sucker for. Its been on constant CONSTANT repeat. And though I've barely gotten past that first track, its already plain to see that this one'll be a gift that keeps on giving. Highly recommended.



Download Link: Suni McGrath- Childgrove (Adelphi, 1972) *Re-upped 7/20/12

A1. The Star Of County Down / Childgrove
A2. Love Abides
A3. Zoe
A4. Lo, I'll Be with You Always [Gary Davis]
A5. The Harvest
A6. [Jesus Said] I Am The Resurrection

B1. The Lion Of Judah

with Jack Denlinger
Ellen Matthews

Suni McGrath- Cornflower Suite (1969)

A new discovery for me. Suni McGrath's mystically-influenced folk guitar rates up there with Fahey, Basho, Sandy Bull & the like...Big thanks to Aidan for the tip on this.

"Blue Isfahan" stands alone on the album, as its the only track using an electric guitar or tabla accompaniment. Its eastern modes will likely appeal to all those newfound Omar Khorshid fans.


From the Liner Notes:

"The music on this record is my attempt to explore and further the american acoustic guitar. I have four sources for the musics here presented: Bulgarian music for rhythmic modes and ideas, also modulation of melodic modes and harmonies; Hindustani for subtle melodic graces and ideas of variation; Fahey for the conception of the art; Bartok for modal harmonies analogous to conventional western harmony, and treatment of themes.

Cornflower Suite is a set of variations on a theme never completely stated. It is named for that most wondrous weed, the blue cornflower that blooms like little bits of mirror reflecting a perfect summer sky. It includes an earlier piece known to some as sassafras tea..."

Read More & Download Cornflower Suite at Grown-So-Ugly.