Sun Glories

カリフォルニアを拠点に活動する作曲家、プロデューサー、ミュージシャンChuck Johnson。ペダル・スティール・ギター、実験的エレクトロニクス、オルタネート・チューニング・システム、映画やテレビのための作曲を中心に制作。2011年から2015年にかけて彼は21世紀のアコースティック・ギターの試金石となった3枚組のソロ・ギターLPをリリースし高く評価された。ペダル・スティール・ギターによるサウンドを牽引してきた彼が作り上げる至高の世界。

Following several soundtracks and longform drone compositions, Sun Glories is Chuck Johnsons first proper album since 2021s The Cinder Grove, which continued the pedal steel guitar explorations of his earlier album Balsams, as well as his work with Marielle V Jakobsons as Saariselka. Like some of Johnsons previous releases, Sun Glories features a mixture of guitars, synthesizers, organ, and harmonium played by Johnson, and other instruments provided by guest musicians. The warm glow and sighing steel guitar of "Telos" introduce the album as another extension of Johnsons ambient Americana recordings, but the shoegazey guitar static and Ryan Jewells patiently rumbling drums switch the narrative entirely. Johnson credits Rachika Nayar for renewing his interest in the possibilities of the electric guitar, inspiring him to pick up the instrument again after abandoning it for several years. The integration of his electric and pedal steel techniques, along with synths and other instruments, certainly feels like a fresh perspective for his work. "Sylvanshine" is especially inspired by Nayar, and it blends gentle, almost droplike guitar notes with Cole Pulices electronically enhanced tenor saxophone, which plumes skyward and briefly gets entangled in a rush of energy. "Hovering" ends up with heavier guitar distortion, which feels like waves crashing against rocks. "Ground Wave" is more focused on pedal steel, along with string arrangements played by Clarice Jensen and Emily Packard, which sweep the piece away and elevate it into a state of cosmic pathos. Final track "Broken Spectre" starts out cloudy, then develops rippling drums and electronics before erupting into a scorching guitar solo. Sun Glories is a magnificent record displaying Johnsons mastery of multiple instruments and techniques. ~ Paul Simpson