"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)
"In the early 1960s, Mike Stewart adopted the professional name of Backwards Sam Firk. "My dad used to call me Backwards Sam because my initials are MAS," he explained. He recorded for the private label of the eccentric Maryland record collector Joe Bussard in the early 60s, on his own, with John Fahey and in impromptu groups.
Mike's pseudonym came to wider notice in the late 1960s when he was associated with Gene Rosenthal's Adelphi Records, an independent Blues label based in Silver Spring, Maryland. The first item in its catalog was his album "The True Blues & Gospel of Backwards Sam Firk," consisting of scrupulous interpretations of repertoire learned from Mississippi John Hurt, Bo Carter, Big Bill Broonzy and other Blues masters of the 1920s and 30s" (Myspace)
The woefully out-of-print 1968 debut LP from Mike Stewart, aka Backwards Sam Firk. This was first release for DC/Maryland's classic Adelphi Records label. Firk's fingerpicking prowess is considerable. The legendary John Hurt's pacing and influence rings through loud & clear on a good many of these renditions. I must admit I tend to prefer the instrumentals, here. I also encourage folks to pursue Sam Firk's mid-60s work with Joe Bussard and John Fahey on Fonotone Records of Frederick, MD. And if you ever find yourself out that way, I'd also recommed you pay visit to Bussard's favorite burger spot: Barbara Fritchies. That place has flavor to spare. Just sayin'. Enjoy the Backwards Sam, friends.....
A1 I'm Glad Blues 1:57 A2 East St. Louis Dry Land Blues 2:30 A3 Hey Hey Hey 3:05 A4 Cigarette 1:51 A5 Candy Man Blues 3:31 A6 If You Don't Want Me That Freight Train Whistle's Gonna Blow, Momma 2:12 A7 Old Reliable One-Way Gal 3:21 A8 Be Ready When He Comes 1:54 B1 Old Country Dump 2:50 B2 Get Back Old Devil 2:14 B3 Poor Boy, Long Ways From Home 3:28 B4 West Side Blues 2:19 B5 I Be's Troubled 3:53 B6 Babe's Piece 2:51 B7 Fixin' To Die 2:44 B8 The Unbroken Circle 1:59
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.
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
