One of my favorite songs of 2019 - "Luciano"

One of my favorite songs of 2019 - "Luciano" - Steve Gunn

There are a plethora of guitar players out there but few with sublime graceful yet edgy playing that makes Steve Gunn a standout. Steve was part of Kurt Vile's Violators but left PA to pursue his dreams of being a solor artist in the urban chasm of New York City. He has quietly put out 15 LPs and live versions. His latest offering, The Unseen In Between, consists of 9 tracks. The song that grabbed me was "Luciano". A bodega cat was the inspiration for the track that showcases Steve's unique finger picking style and his elevated use of acoustic guitar. He frequently partners with women with ethereal voices and harp as well as piano playing prowess. On Luciano, the lovely Meg Baird adds her angelic backing vocals as well as handling the keys. Mid way through the song, Steve digs into his otherworldly vibrato. It is comforting as he sings the following lyrics, no doubt invoked by the death of his father last year. Apparently this album is showered with drips of gratitude and goodbye.

I hear him howling with his friends
Sometimes it's Jesus who he calls
And you just hope that they're all
There for you
Just like he was there for me

Steve and his collaborators have created an album that is both comforting and easily hypnotic. He sings with guru lke ease that most likely was galvanized by his interest in pure Indian music. Be. Here. Now. Steve gets it.

I'll take you down
Glad I'm found
Pick me up
Safe and sound

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwzXzkxQw_0

His mystical voice as well as his soothing neo folk guitar playing inspired a Japanese folk hero to get to performing. Sachiko Kanenobu opened for Steve's shows earlier this year. She is 70 and he is 42. What is the common denominator - music and the appreciation of other artist's gifts. Here is a the article. Take a moment, put on some Steve, have a beverage of your choice and enjoy this well written article. Blessings and thank you dear readers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/08/t-magazine/steve-gunn-sachiko-kanenobu.html

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