The full artist credit on the cover of
Art of Modern-Primitive Guitar
is "
Shawn Persinger
Is Prester John." One thinks automatically of
John Fahey
's early alter ego "Blind Joe Death," and even a cursory listen suggests that one is meant to. Classically trained but with a polyglot sensibility that covers
folk
,
rock
and
avant-garde
composers as well,
Persinger
combines his various influences in a way that's unique but never tediously "difficult." Other possible influences that come to mind while listening to this 19-track, 45-minute album include
Henry Kaiser
and the gentler side of
Fred Frith
.
is a pleasant, occasionally fascinating listen, but sometimes
's brief pieces feel more like sketches than properly completed compositions. The best tracks, like
"Matthieu's Accurate Portrait (Grotesque),"
are charming instrumental explorations, but some of the shorter pieces tease the listener with the suggestion of an intriguing rhythmic or melodic idea that's over before it can be fully enjoyed. ~ Stewart Mason