Chuck Johnson - Velvet Arc LP

“Velvet Arc” finds Johnson fading into view with opening track “As I Stand Counting”, it’s desert-dusted guitar raga appearing like a mirage as the rhythm section rises in the mix. Similarly, “Everything at Once”s picks & strums hang in the air buoyed by the steady swells of crashing cymbals & bass. Side A closer “Anamet” may sound familar to fans - the tune is a re-working of “Private Violence” from “Blood Moon Boulder”, with added cello, a long synth outro, and a more psychedelic mix overall. Johnson’s tenacity & constant evolution as a musician is representative in this track alone; he is an artist constantly in flux, refining & reworking like any good craftsman. Side B features more of Johnson’s lauded fingerpicking style on tracks like “Velvet Arc”, “Roadside Auspice” & “The Pace”, while album closer “Middle Water” hums along contentedly with violin by Marielle Jakobsons.