Thirteen
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The esteemed guitarist Colin O’Brien spotlights the work of Leo Kottke, and it adds in O’Brien’s inimitable vision across these 13 acoustic tracks.
The warm 12 string prowess of “Shipwreck” begins the listen with a cozy melody that’s immediately striking, and “Jimmy” follows with a Merle Travis inspired moment of mid-tempo grace.
Moving into the middle, “Billy” is textured richly and showcases O’Brien’s meticulous skills, while “Earth And Ether” is broken into 3 parts the emit slide melodies, up tempo slide gestures and even introspective intimacy.
Residing near the end, “Little Oak” recruits blues nods into the album’s best, and “Crooked Creek” exits with articulate and mesmerizing 12 string acrobatics that few others could replicate.
An album that radiates much beauty, O’Brien’s talents are expressive, dramatic and often improvised with unparalleled attention to detail that is very much appreciated.
Travels well with: Jenny Burtis- Woodbird; Christian Parker- Sweethearts