Out on the Open West

Frank Fairfield (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 31, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Tompkins Square
• ASIN: B004WJRH0Q
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,058 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Out on the Open West is Frank Fairfield's new album. It was produced by Michael Kieffer (Origin Jazz Library) and features guest accompaniment by the likes of Willie Watson (Old Crow Medicine Show) and noted 'neo-folk' artists. The album is a departure for Frank, having written most of the tunes himself, and bringing in the other players to round out his songs. Handpicked by Fleet Foxes to open their US tour in 2009, Frank has since released his acclaimed debut LP on Tompkins Square, played many festivals in the U.S. and Europe and even had a film made about him. Frank has acheived a rare crossover outside of Old-Time and Blues music fans with many festival appearances throughout the world alongside artists such as Charlie Parr, Trembling Bells and the Fleet Foxes, making fans of people like Ry Cooder and Greil Marcus to name a few.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, again, August 5, 2011

By 

Tim (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Out on the Open West (Audio CD)

Frank Fairfield follows up his stunning 2009 eponymous debut with this equally great record. That first release consisted entirely of traditional songs from early 20th century America, played on solo fiddle, guitar, banjo, and voice; for this new collection, Mr. Fairfield makes a 180 degree turn - he wrote eight of the twelve songs, and, on four of them, is accompanied by extra fiddle, guitar, and voice. His songwriting is a revelation; it's not always clear what the songs are about - his high, reedy voice, reminiscent of A.P. Carter, often obscures the lyrics so that even after dozens of listens it's often hard to tell exactly what he's singing - but this only adds to the effect of his music. His playing of all three instruments is just perfect - some listeners will consider his style primitive or rudimentary, but again, it exactly fits the exhilarating spirit and feel of the music, which really evokes simple and earlier, but spooky and mysterious times.

To see some video clips of Frank Fairfield, including a great one of "Poor Old Lance" from this disc, check out vimeo dot com - also You Tube.

5.0 out of 5 stars Not enough stars to rate this., August 25, 2011

By 

yarmouk334 (Dothan, Alabama) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Out on the Open West (Audio CD)

All I need now is this on vinyl and "Frank Fairfield's Pawn Records Presents Unheard Ofs & Forgotten Abouts" on cd then I'll have everything that he's released in every format (except mp3..which would be pointless). I have so much respect for this guy. I'm a fan to say the least.. Support what this guy's doing.