Ryan Francesconi - Parables

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5...according to our Brett on Thu 21 Oct, 2010.

This dude played with Joanna Newsom when I saw her the other month (she was ridiculously good, thanks for asking) and when she introduced him she pointed out that he was responsible for the arrangements on her latest album so I feel I owe him a thank you for the prominent part he's played in my recent listening enjoyment. Fanks Ryan. On this LP he showcases a bewildering level of six-string skill which defies easy categorization.. It's predominantly folky and if I was to pull a comparison out of the air I guess Nick Drake's playing might be one, for the inventive jazzy inflections, but that doesn't get close to telling the whole story which would also have to include the influence of Baroque lute music and traditional Bulgarian folk at the very least (mentioned as they are in the press release) but most likely much more besides. Definitely one of the best, and most unique sounding, solo guitar records I've heard in a while.

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• “Ryan Francesconi is one of the most awe-inspiring musicians I’ve known [...] This is solo music that sounds like an ensemble; an ecstatic and measured reconciliation of West-African/ Balkan/ Baroque/ bluegrass influences, which ultimately resembles nothing I know” - Joanna Newsom.

• Ryan Francesconi is a composer, conductor and multi-instrumentalist currently residing in Portland, Oregon. Since 1999, he has been playing electronic music under the name RF.

• At the same time, Francesconi has built a reputation as a talented collaborator and musician through recording with the likes of Joanna Newsom, RF & Lili De La Mora, The Toids, Trio Mopmu, Sleeping At Last and Dosh.

• His contributions to Joanna Newsom’s Ys Street Band have brought him well-deserved attention, as have his excellent arrangements for Newsom's latest album ‘Have One On Me’.

• ‘Parables’ is the first album Francesconi has done under his own name. It is also his most personal work to date. Recording the album live and using no overdubs, Francesconi’s solo acoustic guitar creates a surprisingly rich sound that hints at his extensive musical interests - American bluegrass, Baroque lute music, traditional Bulgarian folk and jazz improvisation.

Tracklisting:

Parables
Parallel Lights
Deep Rivers Run Quiet
Palios Karsilamas
With Hands
Elder Brother
Pravo
Lost Years

5...according to Ewan Cowie.

OK. I'll keep this one pretty brief. For anyone who enjoyed Jim O'Rourke's 'The Visitor' from last year, this is a wonderful bedfellow. I also think those who enjoy the more commercial sounds of Jose Gonzalez, perhaps even the Volcan Choir album from last year would find much to staisfy them with this.

Clearly there will be more interest in Mr. Francesconi given his most notable arrangement credit has shed much light on him, but this is a far more sparse sounding record due to the focus on a single instrument. In many ways this allows him to express himself playfully and inventively with songs often taking diversions that feel very rewarding and on many occassions simply made me smile in wonderment whilst staring out into a rainy Scotland. Slightly gushy i suppose, but you may feel something similar (particularly those who reside in Manchester, Scotland or somwhere equally climatically miserable!)

I agree with the site review, this is very hard to categorise. The sounds shift (rather effortlessly) in guitar styles, often over the course of a few bars, but at no point does this feel forced or self-serving.

Standouts for me are the sublime title track and 'Parallel Lights'.

Very good indeed.

Rating: 5 out of 5

So, what do you think? Best reviewer each month gets £10 off their next order!