Dave Alvin From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings 2LP

TAS Rated 4/5 Music, 4.5/5 Sonics in the March 2021 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

This 16 song collection features studio performances that Dave Alvin recorded over the years for his own albums or for tribute albums but mainly they're just things he did for the pure kicks of playing music he loves with musicians he loves and admires.

The songs range from some originals to interpretations of compositions by dear friends like Peter David Case, Chris Smither and the late Bill Morrissey to tunes written by heroes like Willie Dixon, Bob Dylan, Lil Hardin Armstrong, Earl Hooker and Marty Robbins. The music ranges from acoustic blues and ballads to electric barroom blues, folk/rock and even a little country/rock.

There are contributions from dearly departed comrades like Chris Gaffney, Amy Farris and Bobby Lloyd Hicks as well as from old Blasters pals like Gene Taylor along with various members of The Guilty Men/Women/Ones plus help from brilliant accompanists like Greg Leisz, Cindy Cashdollar, Bob Glaub, Don Heffington, Danny Ott, Skip Edwards, Rick Shea, Chris G Miller, Wyman Reese, Dale Spalding and David J. Carpenter.

"I consider myself extremely lucky to have had such a stellar collection of musicians to make some noise with, and to say that I'm proud of the performances on this release would be a gigantic understatement," says Alvin. "And, yeah, of course, I played beat up, old guitars on all the songs. I sincerely hope you enjoy these songs (and the musicians/singers bringing them to life). These recordings may be rare, unreleased, or little heard, but I'm very proud of them, and they hold a very special, warm place in my heart. Just like my old guitars."

From An Old Guitar....consistently enlightening and even inspirational listening experience..

There's a little something from everywhere in the musical spectrum, enough muddy roots to plant a forest of guitars.

...this could be one of Alvin's best.