Michael Graefe "Desert Blues"
Label: Relax Records; CD4; 2009
Graefe's "Desert Blues" is an attempt to convey the feel of a place and time, a lonely expanse of sand translated into sound and rhythm. He is aided in this task by his percussive, articulate guitar playing and a fine sense for open space and distance. Slapped guitar strings on "Desert Blues" add a touch of drummed sand and heartbeat to a portrait of open desert. "Didgeriblues" similarly conveys a meditative trance over sparse landscapes. Graefe's staccato technique is best represented on the melancholy but rhythmic "'Thirsty for Water", which recalls a staggering trek through the desert in search of water. Most of the tunes on this all-instrumental album are Graefe originals, except for renditions of Clapton"s "Wonderful Tonight" and Stefan Grossman's "Bermuda Triangle Exit". Graefe's originals are mainly wonderfully moody and blue compositions, featuring excellent finger picking.
Gabe McCaslin