Parlor
6 String Ranch, 2021
9/10
There are plenty of prolific artists out there, but Austin producer and musician Matt Smith might be in a league all his own, as he released 8 albums in a single day in 2020. Parlor, the solo acoustic instrumental listen of the bunch, has Smith playing the entire album on a 1890’s Thompson and Odell parlor guitar that has seen 4 generations of his family.
“29th St. Rag” starts the listen with Smith’s versatile and complicated finger acrobatics flowing with incredible dexterity and melody, and this charming approach continues to the indeed bluesy spirit of “Blue As Blue Can Be”, as well as the pretty yet adventurous “Spring In My Step”.
Deeper into the listen, “Blues In The Parlor” displays incredible manipulation of the instrument in Smith’s inimitable vision, while “After The Goldrush” emits much warmth amid a graceful execution of sublime picking.
Further still, “Desert Meditation” brings both tense moments alongside a fascinating meticulousness, and the aptly titled “That’s All Folks!” exits the listen upbeat, playful and clever.
Recorded with a single guitar and on one take, Smith showcases an unparalleled mastery of the guitar here, and both composed and improvised pieces draw the listener into an experience you won’t find anywhere else and will want to revisit often.
Travels well with: Matt Smith- Being Human; Carl Weingarten- Ember Days