the of mirror eye

* Loren Connors: Saoirse (’Freedom’) (6.0 mb) | Betty Mae (7.4 mb) | Star of Bethlehem pt.1 (5.0 mb) | Star of Bethlehem pt.2 (2.0 mb)
From Night Through : Family Vineyard Records : FV36-3CD

Wow, I haven’t been this excited about a record release in who know’s how long. Family Vineyard really pulled out all the stops in this three volume collection of singles, unreleased, collaborations and compilation appearances by Loren Connors (look here). Born in 1949, Loren has been exploring the blues in all its avant-garde nature for a really long time. Over the course of 50+ albums, he has reinvented himself time and time again, all the while exploring the themes of love, life, death, his Irish heritage and art.

Loren Connors carries us on an amazing journey through his music. From traditional blues sounds, to avant-garde jazz, to indie-rock, his artistry consistently challenges the listener to reach out and discover new musical worlds. Like B.B. King, he redifines himself and his music for each generation of listeners. He beckons us to listen to new sounds and to reach across the abyss of the unknown.

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Loren juxtaposes the Delta bottleneck sound, the familiar ancestral blues voice, with his hauntingly unexpected sounds. His gravelly, raspy sound speaks like a chorus of voices from their darkened room. Primal voices call out, as if from the floor of the ocean where life first appeared. To listen to Loren’s music, we must free our spirit and become one with voices that he releases through his guitar. His music moves like a butterfly that hovers over its blossom. (William Ferris, from the liner notes)

If you have any interest whatsoever in the blues, than this is absolutely essential listening.

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