The Cloud of Unknowing

James Blackshaw

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 5, 2007)
• Original Release Date: June 5, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Tompkins Square
• ASIN: B000Q364UG
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,596 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Much of the new music from James Blackshaw sounds like old music from John Fahey, as the 25-year-old British guitarist channels the adventurous acoustic dynamic that the late Fahey dubbed "American primitive." The opening title cut lasts almost 11 minutes; the closing "Stained Glass Windows" lasts even longer, as an introspective instrumental reverie culminates in a mind-blowing (or blown) coda that threatens to extend forever. In between those two most expansively Faheyesque progressions, "Running to the Ghosts" has a hint of "Tubular Bells" and "Clouds Collapse" evokes a Chinese tea house, with exotic tunings and atmospherics. For all of Blackshaw's 12-string virtuosity, he occasionally crosses the line from the hypnotic to the merely repetitive, and some of his passages would be twice as effective with half the notes. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings you closer to God or whatever, July 26, 2008

By	Andres M. Pacheco-fores "Bohemian Empire" (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Great for meditation/reflection/all that kinda lame spiritual stuff. I'm not really the type for that, but this record is just wonderful for contemplation. And the dude can PLAY. Wow.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Luscious and lovely, January 14, 2008

By	Danielle Drew (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

James Blackshaw creates a wonderful album with a real variety of songs. Clouds Collapse is somewhat spartan and maybe a bit chilly, while the other songs he really shows off how rich a guitar can sound. I think the first time I listened to the album it ran through twice without my noticing - I was wholly enraptured by its sounds.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, January 1, 2008

By	N. Hall (New England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First heard about this one when it was listed on NPR's list of best CDs of 2007. Gorgeous. Their comparison to John Fahey is apt.