McLeod, Andy – “Forge The Valley” – [Dying For Bad Music]

abacus   8/12/2015   CD, Country

by way of German label, Appalachian folk music from Andy McLeod: seasonal farm hand, musician and visual artist. inspired by Jack Rose, John Fahey and others, and especially by his home landscape of Chester County, Pennsylvania, these warm fingerpicked melodies (guitar/banjo) are all original (except for one Carter Family tune – with vocals) and incorporate field recordings (3-5), spoken word (4) and drone (6,7,10). the tracks get more spacious as the album progresses, with the brief Lost track at the end losing all trace of country for foggy introspection. collaborations from friends and an homage to the late Robbie Basho, this beautiful album can find its way onto any show, and deserves just that.