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James Elkington

Ever-Roving Eye

PoB-050

Black or Green Glass LP/CD/digital

April 3, 2020

Chicago songwriter and guitarist James Elkington—who has collaborated with everyone from Richard Thompson to Jeff Tweedy to Tortoise—recorded his sophomore album at Wilco’s Loft, expanding upon his celebrated 2017 debut Wintres Woma (PoB-034) as well as his recent production and arrangement work for the likes of Steve Gunn, Nap Eyes, and Joan Shelley. Casting glances back to British folk traditions as well as toward avant-garde horizons, these brilliant new songs, as accessible as they are arcane, buttress Elkington’s brisk guitar figures and baritone poesy with strings, woodwinds, and backing vocals by Tamara Lindeman of the Weather Station.

The combination of Elkington’s sonorous baritone and virtuosic fretboard forays makes a strong case for him as the spiritual heir to the late UK folk legend Bert Jansch. The dominant artistic voice here is an unflinchingly singular one… with imagery unusual enough to force your synapses into new configurations, and a bittersweetness palpable enough to take you by the tear ducts and squeeze.  Each track feels like a stylishly scrawled diary entry we’ve somehow wrangled the permission to read.

–NPR Music

An epiphany… a cryptic storyteller and dazzling acoustic guitarist. More than just another bustle in your hedgerow.

– Rolling Stone

 Elkington stands apart among the wave of 21st century guitar soloists. At once beautiful, complex, and assured.

– Pitchfork

A convincing, warmly whirling weather system of his own.

– The Guardian

The guitar king … already a visionary in his own right.

– The FADER

Elkington has been acclaimed by such knowledgeable figures as Richard Thompson and Jeff Tweedy as one of the most dazzling fingerstyle guitarists around—a reputation confirmed here.

– The Independent