In the 1970s, flatpicker, songsmith, and vocalist Norman Blake produced a string of superb recordings that featured primarily him and his guitar. Some included contributions from his wife, Nancy, and a few other old time artists, but the main vibe was Norman and his guitar.
Now, after dealing with some health issues this past few years, the 76 year old guitar master has a new album, Wood, Wires & Words, due for release on January 20 on Plectrafone Records.
Of course Norman has been recording prolifically since the ’70s, but it has been a full 30 years since he’s done a full album of his own songs, with just himself on guitar and vocals. These all fit into a rogues and rascals theme, with each telling the tale of an outlaw or a ne’er-do-well of sorrowful memory.
There are several new guitar instrumentals as well, but the unifying factor is Norman and his trusty six string. He highlights his skill on both flatpick and fingerstyle guitar in a mix of ballads, rags, and tunes. Nancy Blake guests on one song, adding harmony vocals as she has done for some many years.
This is something that Blake fans have been hoping for for years, and it’s one they won’t want to miss.
