loren connors: live in new york

Live in New York is an album seemingly simple as its title. Yet Loren Connors -- captured here in cinema verite quality at two performances six days apart in November 2014 -- is anything but straightforward. During the past 40 years the guitarist has not only developed an iconic sound but continues to reshape it and challenge himself, and the listener, in accepting radical permutations of the blues. Across these three pieces, Connors builds upon the vision captured on his last studio album, 2011's Red Mars, where transparent, ghostly notes slowly unravel against a canvas of black drones and funeral tolls. In addition -- maximist, distorted six-string solos, that were once a hallmark of Loren's early-90s performances, make a mighty return here. The CD is presented in a Stoughton miniaturized "LP" sleeve with metallic ink and an insert. As with past releases, features cover art of Connors' cut/paste remodeling of a photo of himself. Mastered by Taylor Deupree at 12k.