Glenn Kimpton

On Music for Writers, his first solo instrumental album, Steve Gunn masterfully blends guitars, synths, and field recordings from his travels. The album blurs the line between performance and nature, or life, resulting in music that ‘listens as much as it speaks.’ The pure, meditative sound features beautiful guitar parts that shift from innocent to anxious, creating an immersive experience that invites close listening and encourages stillness and calm.

Following the release of their bold and confident 2022 debut, Owen Spafford and Louis Campbell were ones to watch and their follow-up confirms this; “Tomorrow Held” is a beautifully constructed album that swings from calm and tranquil to the gnarly and abrupt. It is a considerable step forward for Spafford Campbell in terms of creative ideas; they have talent to spare and are not afraid to use it.

On fixe Idee, guitarist Eric Arn puts the mostly unadorned acoustic through its paces. Throughout this eclectic set, there are hints of early Robbie Basho, with a loose and free style of playing conjuring an image of carefree, sepia-toned summer life. It is the sound of an accomplished guitarist playing in his own style(s), and the result is excellent: singular, exciting and adventurous.

Sally Anne Morgan’s Second Circle the Horizon continues in a similar vein to 2021’s ‘Cups’ while leaning gently on some of the slightly broader-sounding arrangements on her other albums. The result is spot on: a quiet, sometimes enigmatic celebration of the purity of nature and life through the lens of versatile music inspired by the Appalachian tradition. It’s her most cohesive and accomplished album so far.

This year sees the end of an era of sorts for Texan instrumentalist Hayden Pedigo, with the release of I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away completing his ‘Motor Trilogy’. We met to find out more about the making of this ‘bittersweet’ finale. “…it’s far more maximalist. We utilised heavy strings, mellotrons, synths, and bass; there’s a lot more on this record…the compositions are more intense and bolder…”

Some albums just come straight in like a warm sonic hug, and you know you’ll spend a long time enjoying their vibe; Sheffield-based guitarist Bobby Lee and London pedal steel player Joe Harvey-Whyte’s Last Ride is one of these…an ace full-length set dropped by California’s Curation Records. It feels like this album was a lot of fun to make; it’s a total pleasure to listen to.

Solo at Cafe OTO finds Shane Parish reimagining ballads on his Squier Telecaster. Unlike his acoustic Repertoire album, these six tracks are longer, showcasing Parish’s technique and artistic nous. From the leisurely unfolding of John Jacob Niles’ “I’m Goin’ Away” to the jagged edges of David Lynch’s “Sycamore Trees,” Parish imbues each piece with his unique character while the album’s abstract approach provides a freeing, immersive experience.

Toby Hay’s New Music for the 6 String Guitar is a beautifully restrained work—just player and instrument—inspired by nature and the outdoors. It stands as a perfect sibling to his earlier 12-string album; while the instruments differ dramatically in timbre and character, both albums offer a deeply immersive, rewarding experience. The contrast between them highlights Hay’s versatility, yet a shared sense of purity, warmth, and meditative focus unites them.

Described by Hayden Pedigo as a ‘microdose psychedelic album’, the key word here is ‘micro’ because ‘I’ll be Waving as You Drive Away’ is a very subtly experimental instrumental acoustic guitar album, full of tiny flourishes and touches that see it stand out from the norm. It’s a record that feels meticulously thought out and handled. Without an ounce of fat, this is a sharp, elegant and subtly dynamic album.

The Gentle Good’s latest album, Elan, is a concept album of sorts, a study of the Elan Valley in Powys through music, recorded off-grid in the Cambrian mountains. An admirable creation, it’s a broad and generous soundscape for a beloved area of Wales, containing both music and singing that is diverse, adventurous and rich in character. Gareth Bonello’s most ambitious album so far, this bumper collection is a triumph.

Guitarist Eli Winter’s ace new Trick of the Light album sees him in full band leader mode. Glenn Kimpton met up with Winter to discuss the project in finer detail.

Eli Winter has never put out a bad record, but his music seems to grow in confidence and prowess with each release. A Trick of the Light is a barnstormer – sharp, vital and pretty damn thrilling. Oh yes.