Strung Out
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The New York Guitar Festival was founded in 1999 with the quixotic goal of broadening “the public’s appreciation of the guitar,” as if the ascendance of hip-hop had made it an endangered species. Come to think of it, there may be something to that. Now in its sixth season, the festival will feature 60 guitarists in 20 shows across seven venues between January 14 and February 8. Here are the highlights:
Blues Fallin’ Down Like Rain: The Music of Mississippi John Hurt John Hurt was one of the big influences on the 1960s folk revival, thanks to the inclusion of his seminal song “Candy Man” on the “Anthology of American Folk Music.” When he was discovered still living in the Mississippi hill country during the ’60s, he also became one of its stars, performing at Newport and passing on his lovely, jaunty fingerpicking style. Featuring Jorma Kaukonen, Bill Morrissey, Brandon Ross, and the Jen Chapin Trio. (January 18, Merken Concert Hall, 8 p.m.)
Daniel Lanois, Silvio Project Better known as a producer for the likes of U2, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois is an accomplished musician in his own right, coaxing liquid beauty from his lap-steel guitar. He brings his experimental film and music project Silvio to Merkin Concert Hall on February 3 for its New York premiere. (Merken Concert Hall, 8 pm.)
Blues Fallin’ Down Like Rain: The Music of Charley Patton With his 1929 record “Pony Blues,” Charley Patton became the first great star of the Mississippi Delta. The consummate entertainer, he was admired equally for his gravelly voice, high-energy shows, and innovative guitar work. He played a syncopated rhythm, popped bass strings, and slapped the guitar body like a drum. Featuring John Hammond, Rory Block, Dave Tronzo, and Toshi Reagon. (February 1, Merken Concert Hall, 8 p.m.)
Blues Fallin’ Down Like Rain: The music of Elizabeth Cotten Elizabeth Cotten didn’t begin recording until she was 66 years old, but her guitar work left an indelible mark on the instrument. A lefty, she played right-handed guitars and banjos upside down, producing ringing bass notes and muted treble. Reproducing her sound should prove challenging, not to mention entertaining. Featuring Taj Mahal, Mike Seeger, Jolie Holland, and Marvin Sewell. (February 8, Merken Concert Hall, 8 p.m.)
