Ringo - Pax Texiana
Flexing Appalachian riffs at high speed, produces a transcendental drone for blurring meditation. This would be Roscoe Holcomb for me and specifically Little Grey Mule. Banjo is special though, the tightly controlled frantic picking can be sewn with patience and tranquility. My first experience listening to a banjo player / songwriter who changed the entire sound was John Hartford, specifically Headin' Down to The Mystery Below. In 2016 Geology Records released Ringo's Monocarpic album. A beautiful record with Ringo's banjo playing and songwriting hazed in an ethereal mist of experimentation and delicate mystery. Now, just over seven years since Monocarpic, Geology Records and Ringo have released Pax Texiana. Reading the artist's notes on the bandcamp page, Ringo went through the process of recording a follow up, but felt the heart was not fully present. Over a period of time he tried again and so wonderfully succeeded, it's difficult to really pen words on how gorgeous this album is.
As noted above, banjo is a special instrument for my personal listening path. For example, I have had the pleasure with Lost in a Sea of Sound to follow and describe Jacken Elswyth, a direction of banjo playing both traditional and serenely experimental. Listen to Improvisation for bowed banjo and shruti box (13.6) to see this creative path. And now Ringo's Pax Texiana, nine selections embodying a resonance of multiple generations of solo banjo players. Like Ringo has channeled the warm felt passion of a world removed by time, creating a space of introspection and cherished homage. Pax Texiana unveils the subtle simplicity of song writing and playing. An utterly sublime journey for the cognitive desires of the mind and body.
Released on Geology Records in cassette format. Copies are available from the labels bandcamp page.
Links
Ringo - bandcamp
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