Silo Newsletter 8/91
From Sugar Hill Records...
Dan Crary
Thunderation
SUH 1135(c/d)
Dan Crary is known as one of the great flatpicking guitarists in the folk and bluegrass world. His solo career spans over 20 years, and for the past 10 years he has also toured and recorded with superpickers Byron Berline and John Hickman as B-C-H (Berline-Crary-Hickman.) Now, with Thunderation, Dan applies his expertise in an exciting new direction. Produced by Billy Oskay (of Nightnoise,) Thunderation is a guitar album for all categories, appealing to guitarists, folkies, new agers, and bluegrass fans alike. Though this is essentially a solo recording, the multiple guitar tracks and Oskay’s accompaniment on violin, viola and synthesizer give it an amazing fullness and textural richness. Traditional tunes like "Lady’s Fancy" and "Lime Rock" take on a wonderful new flavor with Dan’s innovative arrangements. The intricate and mysterious "West O’ the Moon" and the majestically flowing "Amsterdance" feature Dan’s 12-string guitar mastery. " , and the title cut, punctuated by explosive guitar runs, are the most progressive tracks, while the peaceful, soothing "Andante in Steel" and "Denouement" are works of quiet beauty. And, perhaps more than any other cut, "Song of Makorka-O" embodies the brilliant Crary/Oskay synthesis of traditional and contemporary sound. Innovative material, dazzling musicianship, stunning production - Thunderation will take the acoustic music world by storm.