with Warren Ellis, Eddie Vedder, Dave Grohl, David Campbell
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock, Slowcore
Vibes: Bittersweet, Reflective, Intimate, Angsty, Autumnal, Lethargic, Melancholy, Introspective, Sombre, Mellow, Pastoral, Moody
Cat Power – You Are Free Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Vibes: Melancholy, Introspective, Intimate, Alienation, Reflective, Depressive, Observational, Winter, Mellow
David Blue – Stories Read More »
featuring Nate Wooley, Cleek Schrey, Andrea Belfi, Rhodri Davies, Nikos Veliotis
Style: Post-Rock
Vibes: Suspenseful, Introspective, Contemplative, Searching, Patient, Responsive, Eerie, Abstract, Impressionistic
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Sparse, Improvisation, Thematic, Soft, Droney, Atmospheric
David Grubbs – Whistle from Above Read More »
Ritualistic duo explorations for percussion & flute
Big Black – Message to Our Ancestors Read More »
Style: Ecstatic Minimalism, Spiritual Jazz
Vibes: Patient, Hypnotic, Meditative, Ritualistic, Luminous, Peaceful, Restrained, Warm, Soothing, Mystical, Psychedelic, Spiritual, Focused, Responsive, Contemplative, Cosmic, Elegant, Intertwined
Natural Information Society & Bitchin Bajas – Totality Read More »
Style: Folk Baroque, British Folk, Guitar Soli
Vibes: Plaintive, Contemplative, Mystical, Peaceful, Pastoral, Medieval, Intertwined, Focused, Soothing, Loner
John Renbourn – The Hermit Read More »
Style: A Capella, English Folk, Carols
Vibes: Pagan, Ceremonial, Rootsy, Pastoral, Medieval, Ritualistic, Autumnal, Winter, Communal, Ancestral
The Watersons – Frost and Fire: A Calendar of Ritual and Magical Songs Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Vibes: Brooding, Bitter, Poetic, Winter, Intimate, Angsty, Cold, Dark, Depressive, Existential, Introspective, Lonely, Melancholy, Misanthropic, Pessimistic, Sombre
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Acoustic, Orchestral, Soft, Simple, Sparse
Leonard Cohen – Songs of Love and Hate Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Chanson, Chamber Folk-Jazz
Vibe: Mysterious, Intertwined, Surreal, Haunting, Brooding, Hypnotic, Elegant, Contemplative, Storytelling, Moody, Existential, Suspenseful, Open, Intimate, Nocturnal, Political, Love, Hallucinogenic, Shadowy
Areski & Brigitte Fontaine – L’Incendie Read More »
Style: Singer-Songwriter, Country Rock, Cosmic American Music
Vibes: Existential, Poetic, Contemplative, Cosmic, Melancholy, Passionate, Raw, Twangy, Bittersweet, Nature, Reflective
Gene Clark – No Other Sessions Read More »
Style: Experimental Songwriter, Post-Industrial, Glitch, Post-Punk
Moods: Deconstructed, Cold, Sensual, Disorienting, Mechanical, Intimate, Eerie, Somatic, Futuristic, Visceral, Stark, Brooding, Anxious, Cryptic, Moody, Shadowy, Intertwined, Haunting
featuring Tricky, Horace Andy, Neneh Cherry, Shara Nelson
Style: Trip Hop, Bristol Sound, UK Hip Hop, Downtempo, Street Soul
Influences: Dub, Hip Hop, Soul, Jazz Fusion, Film Scores, Electronic
Vibes: Moody, Hypnotic, Urban, Mellow, Sensual, Heartfelt, Melancholy, Communal, Uplifting, Nocturnal, Smooth, Psychedelic, Warm
Massive Attack – Blue Lines Read More »
Style: Organic Music, Afro-Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibes: Healing, Earthy, Flowing, Meditative, Patient, Responsive, Ritualistic, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Improvisation, Percussive, Sparse, Instrumental
William Parker, Cooper-Moore, Hamid Drake – Heart Trio Read More »
David Grubbs, Jim O’Rourke
Style: Experimental, Post-Rock, Avant-Folk, Electroacoustic
Vibes: Cryptic, Knotty, Suspenseful, Deconstructed, Surreal, Angular, Disjointed, Mysterious, Ominous, Cerebral, Complex, Eclectic, Poetic
Gastr Del Sol – Crookt Crackt, or Fly Read More »
Style: Ritual Jazz, Post-Rock, Chamber Jazz, Experimental
Vibes: Cryptic, Ritualistic, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Restrained, Brooding, Mystical, Intertwined, Meditative, Cathartic, Healing, Mysterious
Ruth Goller – Skyllumina Read More »
featuring Zoh Amba, Marisa Anderson, Jim White, Bill Nace, Cédric Dind-Lavoie
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibes: Weary, Intimate, Sombre, Mournful, Reflective, Warm, Melancholy, Mellow,, Lonely, Reflective, Bittersweet, Restrained
Myriam Gendron – Mayday Read More »
Solo alto saxophone interpretations of compositions by Georgia Anne Muldrow, Ornette Coleman, Sun Ra, Roscoe Mitchell
Vibes: Occult, Mysterious, Devotional, Meditative, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Passionate, Mystical, Angular, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Thematic, Sparse, Acoustic, Improvisation, Extended Technique, Dissonant, Live Recording
Darius Jones – Raw Demoon Alchemy (A Lone Operation) Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Folk, Progressive Folk
Vibes: Ethereal, Winter, Mystical, Airy, Romantic, Uplifting, Poetic, Nature, Contemplative, Flowing, Gentle, Intimate, Morning, Open, Peaceful, Soothing, Reflective
Bruce Cockburn – High Winds White Sky Read More »
Style: Slowcore, American Primitivism, Post-Rock (Louisville Sound), Ambient Americana
Vibes: Loner, Rainy, Meditative, Contemplative, Pastoral, Urban, Hypnotic, Melancholy, Mellow, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Sparse, Solo, Loops, Pulse, Repetitive, Soft, Atmospheric, Minimalistic
Papa M – Live From a Shark Cage Read More »
Styles: Chamber Music, Abenaki Folk
Moods: Sombre, Elegant, Ritualistic, Reflective, Sentimental, Poetic, Flowing
Themes: , Colonial History, Waban-Aki Folklore, Storytelling, Political
Alanis Obomsawin – Bush Lady Read More »
Influences: English Folk & Loner Songwriters
Moods: Wistful, Pastoral, Reflective, Morning, Flowing, Gentle, Airy, Poetic, Contemplative, Rootsy, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Melodic, Soft, Sparse, Vocal Harmonies, Solo
Meg Baird – Dear Companion Read More »
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Weird Americana
Vibes: Laidback, Reflective, Road Trip, Warm, Haunting, Compassionate, Pastoral, Rootsy, Playful, Bittersweet, Peaceful, Raw
Michael Hurley – Ancestral Swamp Read More »
with Malachi Favors & Billy Bang
Style: Spiritual Jazz
Vibes: Ritualistic, Intertwined, Flowing, Uplifting, Earthy, Exploratory, Groovy, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Meditative, Soothing, Spiritual, Warm
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Ostinato, Improvisation, Acoustic, Percussive, Instrumental, Sparse, Repetitive
Kahil El’Zabar’s Ritual Trio – Another Kind of Groove Read More »
Style: Ambient Americana, Drone-Folk, Spectral Blues, Free Improvisation
Vibes: Nocturnal, Mournful, Murky, Hypnotic, Haunting, Lonely, Melancholy, Bluesy, Meditative
Musical Qualities: Slow, Droney, Soft, Lo-fi, Atmospheric, Solo, Improvisation, Sparse
Loren Connors – The Departing of a Dream Read More »
On their twelfth live recording, the electrifying power trio continues to expand the vocabulary of their improvised sonic sorcery. One LP of mysterious duo invocations, followed by two LPs of primordial free rock. Through concentrated force and harnessed chaos, the trio patiently pushes primordial riffs to their noisiest, most visceral limits, striving to become the sound itself.
Two Lungfish songs are transformed into side-long mystical folk meditations.
Vibes: Meditative, Poetic, Peaceful, Mystical, Soothing, Intertwined, Patient, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Mantra, Sparse, Repetitive, Soft, Slow
Style: Loner Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Dream Folk
Vibes: Reflective, Gentle, Airy, Soothing, Intimate, Dreamy, Contemplative, Peaceful, Philosophical, Introspective, Foggy, Morning, Therapeutic
Musical Qualities: Soft, Acoustic, Sparse, Polished, Melodic
Six Organs of Admittance – Time is Glass Read More »
Style: EAI, Reductionism
Vibes: Meditative, Desert, Ecological, Desolate, Meandering, Lonely, Contemplative, Morning, Intimate, Lethargic, Primordial, Raw, Restrained
Musical Qualities: Graphic Score, Sparse, Slow, Soft, Instrumental, Improvisation, Dissonant, Electro-Acoustic
Instrumentation: Field Recording, Viola, Small Objects
Cassia Streb – Marginal Habitats Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ritual Folk
Vibes: Haunting, Witchy, Occult, Hypnotic, Intimate, Eerie, Tender, Poetic, Nocturnal, Sensual, Ethereal
Musical Qualities: Slow, Soft, Lyrical, Acoustic, Sparse, Solo, Live Recording
Jaköb Battick – Goat-Horned Moon Live Read More »
Gastr Del Sol is David Grubbs & Jim O’Rourke
featuring Tony Conrad, Mats Gustafsson, John McEntire, etc
Vibes: Cryptic, Deconstructed, Existential, Surreal, Restrained, Plaintive, Hypnotic, Suspenseful, Active Listening
Gastr Del Sol – Upgrade & Afterlife Read More »
Style: Great Black Music, Free Improvisation, Solo Percussion
Vibes: Ritualistic, Sunny, Colorful, Hypnotic, Spiritual, Passionate, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Acoustic, Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Sparse, Atmospheric
Famoudou Don Moye – Sun Percussion Read More »
Style: Outsider Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibes: Meditative, Morning, Intimate, Lethargic, Reflective, Pastoral, Warm
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Light, Sparse, Lyrical
Michael Hurley – Blue Hills Read More »
An autumnal, intimate collection of Scottish, Irish, & English folk songs, previously interpreted by singers such as Anne Briggs, Shirley Collins, & Robin Dransfield. Backed by nothing but sparse acoustic guitar, Roberts’ voice sounds especially tender and reflective.
Alasdair Roberts – The Crook of My Arm Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Experimental Songwriter
Vibes: Warm, Meditative, Spiritual, Compassionate, Tender, Introspective, Romantic, Hypnotic, Contemplative, Light, Lonely, Longing, Poetic, Buddhist
Musical Qualities: Soft, Home Recording, Melodic, Sparse, Percussive, Rhythmic
Arthur Russell – Another Thought Read More »
Style: Outsider Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Weird Americana
Vibes: Loner, Pastoral, Playful, Reflective, Rootsy, Warm, Aquatic, Peaceful, Mellow, Morning, Rural, Surreal, Relaxed
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lyrical, Melodic, Simple
Michael Hurley – Blue Navigator Read More »
Style: Chamber Ambient, Post-Minimalism, Free Improvisation
Vibes: Contemplative, Mellow, Elegant, Soothing, Suspenseful, Light, Open, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Soft, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Slow
Loren Connors & David Grubbs – Arborvitae Read More »
Style: Guitar Soli, Avant-Folk, American Primitivism, Middle-Eastern Influence
Vibes: Mysterious, Contemplative, Nocturnal, Spiritual, Eerie, Meditative, Moody
Alvarius B / Sir Richard Bishop – If You Don’t Like It… DON’T! Read More »
Compilation of two duo records:
“Creative Improvisation Ensemble” recorded with Wadada Leo Smith in 1970
“Soundways” recorded with Elliott Schwartz in 1973
Style: Creative Music, Free Improvisation, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibes: Open, Suspenseful, Abstract, Deconstructed, Intertwined, Restrained, Searching, Spontaneous
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Poly-Free Improvisation, Atonal, Percussive, Slow, Sparse, Instrumental
Marion Brown – Duets Read More »
Style: Appalachian Folk Music, American Primitivism
Vibes: Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm, Passionate, Meditative, Religious, Storytelling, Sentimental, spiritual, storytelling
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Traditional, Lyrical, Droney, Open Tunings, Solo, Sparse
Instrumentation: Vocals, Harmonium, Acoustic Guitars (6- & 12-String), Autoharp, Piano, Banjo
Joseph Allred – Hoddmímis Holt Read More »
Style: Drone-Folk, Acid Folk, Guitar Soli (LP2)
Vibes: Nocturnal, Intimate, Desert, Raw, Lethargic, Melancholy, Autumnal, Haunting, Mellow, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Home Recording, Acoustic, Sparse, Lo-Fi, Droney, Instrumental (LP2)
Ilyas Ahmed – Between Two Skies / Towards the Night Read More »
Marcio Mattos, Sachiko M, Tetuzi Akiyama
Style: EAI, Experimental Songwriter, Reductionism
Vibes: Sombre, Forest, Depressive, Nocturnal, Introspective, Apathetic, Poetic, Open, Death, Visceral, Mysterious, Anguish, Bleak, Alienation
David Sylvian – Manafon Read More »
Style: EAI, Progressive Electronic
Vibes: Reflective, Winter, Ethereal, Meditative, Playful, Hypnotic, Exploratory, Abstract, Deconstructed, Forest, Futuristic, Intimate
Instrumentation: Piano & vocals processed through modular synthesis
Musical Qualities: Studio-as-an-Instrument, Electro-Acoustic, Dynamic, Glitchy, Improvisation, Extended Technique
YoshimiOizumikiYoshiduO – To the Forest to Live a Truer Life Read More »
Style: Guitar Soli, Brazilian Classical, Samba-Jazz
Vibes: Forest, Passionate, Nature, Mystical, Warm, Healing, Morning, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Instrumental, Sparse, Technical, Suite, Improvisation, Solo
Bola Sete – Jungle Suite Read More »
4LP Box Set including the albums “Womblife”, “Georgia Stomps, Atlanta Struts, and Other Contemporary Dance Favorites”, and
“Hard Time Empty Bottle Blues”
Style: Avant-Folk, Free-Folk, Ambient Blues, American Primitivism, Tape Music
Vibes: Haunting, Nocturnal, Murky, Brooding, Eerie, Aquatic, Bluesy, Woozy, Raw, Meditative
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Sparse, Improvisation, Collage, Vignettes, Suite, Electro-acoustic, Live
John Fahey – Sea Changes & Coelacanths Read More »
Style: Free-Improvisation, Chamber-Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibes: Contemplative, Searching, Autumnal, Intimate, Elegant, Free, Spiritual, Meditative, Bittersweet, Mysterious, Hypnotic, Passionate, Pastoral
Instrumentation: Cello
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Solo, Instrumental, Sparse
Abdul Wadud – By Myself Read More »
Paul Bley (Piano); Steve Swallow (Upright Bass); Barry Altschul (Drums)
Style: Post-Bop, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibes: Mysterious, Playful, Impressionistic, Exploratory, Reflective, Intimate, Morning
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Acoustic, Improvisation, Instrumental, Lo-Fi
Paul Bley Trio – Closer Read More »
Style: Ethereal Wave, Ambient Pop, Ambient
Vibes: Mysterious, Dreamy, Whimsical, Ethereal, Reflective, Meditative, Nocturnal, Eclectic, Intimate, Soothing, Exploratory, Haunting, Bittersweet, Healing, Hypnotic
Musical Qualities: Soft, Minimalistic, Atmospheric, Sparse
Deux Filles – Silence & Wisdom Read More »
Style: Post-Minimalism, Ambient Folk, American Primitivism
Vibe: Soothing, Morning, Contemplative, Meditative
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Sparse, Instrumental
Instrumentation: Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar, Clarinet, Percussion, Pedal Steel
Danny Paul Grody – Arc of Day Read More »
Style & Influences: Chamber Folk, Post-Rock, Chamber Jazz, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Patient, Winter Mornings, Impressionistic, Peaceful, Soothing, Nature, Meditative, Soft, Slow, Lush
Instrumentation: Fender Rhodes, Piano, Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Violin, Drums, Dulcimer, Clarinet, Percussion, Tape Loops
Modern Nature – No Fixed Point in Space Read More »
featuring Grachan Moncur III, Bobby Hutcherson, Roy Haynes & Larry Ridley
Style: Post-Bop
Vibe: Moody, Nocturnal, Elegant, Suspenseful, Soothing, Complex, Mysterious
Jackie McClean – Destination… OUT! Read More »
Style: Free Improvisation
Vibe: Abstract, Responsive, Cerebral, Suspenseful, Kinetic, Free
Musical Qualities: Atonal, Improvisation, Sparse, Acoustic, Extended Technique, Instrumental
David Holland & Derek Bailey – Improvisations for Cello and Guitar Read More »
featuring Derek Bailey & Fennesz
Style: Experimental Songwriter, Electroacoustic, Reductionism
Vibe: Lonely, Winter, Reflective, Sombre, Cold, Breakup, Depressive, Surreal, Meditative, Desolate
Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Glitchy, Sparse, Soft, Dissonant
David Sylvian – Blemish Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Avant-Dub, Experimental
Vibe: Mechanical Decay, Deconstructed, Urban, Cold, Dystopian, Desolate, Winter, Melancholy
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Dub, Rhythmic, Instrumental, Sampling, Slow, Noisy, Repetitive, Analogue
Instrumentation: Drums, Tapes, Bass Clarinet, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar
Exhaust – Enregistreur Read More »
Style: Alt-Country, Lo-fi Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Winter, Depressive, Weary, Rural, Reflective, Melancholy, Introspective, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Lyrical, Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies
Palace Songs – Hope Read More »
Style: Creative Music, Avant-Garde Chamber Jazz
Vibes: Mystical, Cerebral, Ritualistic, Numerological, Abstract, Philosophical, Spiritual, Open, Cosmic
Musical Qualities: Modular Notation, Poly-Free Improvisation, Dynamic, Acoustic, Percussive, Polyphonic, Sparse
Anthony Braxton – For Trio Read More »
Style: Mystical Folk, Devotional Poetry, New Age
Moods: Poetic, Mystical, Devotional, Spiritual, Meditative, Surreal, Eccentric, Cosmic, Ecstatic, Utopian
Musical Qualities: Mantra, Spoken Word, Acoustic, Sparse, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Voice, Banjo, Sruti Box, Harmonium
Daniel Higgs – Say God Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Post-Minimalism
Moods: Hypnotic, Mysterious, Meditative, Ritualistic, Nocturnal, Haunting, Ethereal
Musical Qualities: Pulse, Homemade Instrument, Minimalistic, Solo, Improvisation, Repetitive, Electro-Acoustic, Extended Technique, Sparse
Style: Gnawa
Moods: Ceremonial, Spiritual, Communal, Hypnotic, Ritualistic, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Pulse, Acoustic, Chants, Percussive, Meditative, Repetitive
Maleem Mahmoud Ghania – Colours of the Night Read More »
Style: American Primitivism, Folk, Guitar Soli
Moods: Pastoral, Breezy, Bright, Earthy, Rual, Sunny, Uplifting, Warm
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Technical, Solo
Peter Lang – The Thing at the Nursery Room Window Read More »
Style: Jazz, Solo Piano
Moods: Reflective, Personal, Elegant, Introspective, Mellow, Sentimental, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Improvisation, Acoustic, Melodic
Mingus Plays Piano Read More »
Tracks from Tortoise’s debut LP remixed by Bundy K. Brown, John McEntire, Jim O’Rourke, Steve Albini, Mike Watt, Brad Wood, Rick Brown, Casey Rice
Styles: Ambient Dub, Electroacoustic, Electronic, Post-Rock
Moods: Deconstructed, Futuristic, Meditative, Mechanical, Cold, Open, Abstract, Airy, Eclectic, Mysterious, Peaceful, Spacey
Musical Qualities: Remix, Atmospheric, Sparse, Sampling, Loops, Instrumental, Electro-Acoustic
Tortoise – Rhythms, Resolutions & Clusters Read More »
Style: Electroacoustic, Glitch, Ambient
Moods: Cold, Mechanical, Hypnotic, Futuristic, Disaffected, Woozy, Deconstructed, Abstract, Stark
Musical Qualities: Remix, Sparse, Instrumental, Electro-Acoustic, Digital
Tortoise Remixed by Oval: Music for Work Groups EP Read More »
Styles: Samba-Jazz, Progressive Folk, Tribal Ambient
Moods: Ethereal, Tropical, Spacious, Ritualistic, Hypnotic, Pastoral, Open, Suspenseful, Soothing, Airy
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Sparse, Dynamic, Acoustic, Heavy Reverb, Electro-Acoustic Processing
Instrumentation: Berimbau, Acoustic Guitar, Flute, Dilruba, Piano, Percussion, Voices
Egberto Gismonti / Nana Vasconcelos – Duas Vozes Read More »
Style: UK Bass, Deconstructed Club, Weightless, IDM
Moods: Futuristic, Melancholy, Mechanical, Introspective, Nocturnal, Urban, Cryptic, Sensual, Reflective
Musical Qualities: Digital, Percussive, Sparse, Glitchy
Loraine James – Reflection Read More »
Styles: Modern Creative, Avant-Garde Jazz
Moods: Communal, Colorful, Eclectic, Ritualistic, Uplifting, Playful, Suspenseful, Mysterious, Abstract, Noir, Open
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Acoustic, Dynamic, Sparse
Art Ensemble of Chicago – Nice Guys Read More »
Style: Drone, Ritual-Psych
Moods: Haunting, Ritualistic, Nocturnal, Shadowy, Eerie, Meditative, Open, Abstract, Primordial, Summoning, Sombre, Intimate, Mellow, Raw
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Soft, Slow, Repetitive, Droney, Lo-fi, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Experimental Vocals
Scorces – Vivre avec la bête Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Modern Creative
Moods: Ritualistic, Spiritual, Devotional, Passionate, Mysterious
Musical Qualities: Solo Improvisation, Percussive, Acoustic, Sparse, Live, Lo-Fi
Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Percussion, Spoken Word
Brother Malachi Favors Magoustous – Natural & Spiritual Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, British Folk
Moods: Intimate, Gentle, Storytelling, Lonely, Reflective, Melancholy, Autumnal
P.G. Six – Live at the Tavern Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Moods: Tender, Intimate, Bittersweet, Autumnal, Reflective, Lonely, Poetic, Breakup, Conversational, Lethargic, Loner, Longing, Love, Melancholy, Mellow, Brooding, Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Master and Everyone Read More »
Style: Outsider Folk, Country Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Moods: Back Porch, Relaxed, Tender, Melancholy, Uplifting, Contemplative, Heartfelt, Eccentric, Introspective, Playful, Raw, Rootsy, Rural
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Home Recording, Sparse, Lo-Fi, Bluesy, Catchy
Michael Hurley & Pals – Armchair Boogie Read More »
Style: Appalachian Folk, Piedmont Blues
Vibe: Pastoral, Rootsy, Morning, Rustic, Bright, Spiritual, Warm, Passionate, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Solo Instrumentals, Acoustic, Melodic, Sparse, Fingerstyle
Instruments: Fiddle, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Dulcimer, Harmonica
Instrumental Music of the Southern Appalachians Read More »
Style: Ambient Jazz, Minimalism, Drone
Moods: Peaceful, Meditative, Elegant, Patient, Soothing, Nocturnal, Focused, Ritualistic
Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Minimalistic, Lo-fi, Thematic, Improvisation, Live
Rob Mazurek – Alternate Moon Cycles Read More »
Style: American Primitivism, Avant-Folk, Tape Music, Raga
Moods: Meditative, Mysterious, Pastoral, Surreal, Loner, Raw, Psychedelic, Morning, Nature, Spiritual, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Lo-Fi, Acoustic, Tape Collage, Sparse, Fingerstyle
John Fahey – Guitar Vol. 4: The Great San Bernardino Birthday Party and Other Excursions Read More »
Style: Experimental Songwriter, Glitch, Minimal Industrial
Moods: Ominous, Mechanical, Brooding, Cold, Lonely, Anxious, Apathetic, Cryptic, Depressive, Eerie, Existential, Moody, Shadowy, Bitter
Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Glitchy, Sparse, Polyrhythmic, Dissonant, Spoken Word, Digital, Dynamic
Style: Drone, Free Folk, Post-Rock
Moods: Bleak, Depressive, Nocturnal, Uneasy, Urban, Raw, Hypnotic, Dark, Ominous, Ragged, Ethereal, Death, Suspenseful, Intimate, Murky, Western
Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Lo-Fi, Improvisation, Sparse, Repetitive, Droney, Atmospheric
Charalambides – Market Square Read More »
Style: American Primitive Guitar, Appalachian Folk, Avant-Folk
Moods: Contemplative, Spring, Pastoral, Bluesy, Meditative, Rustic, Mellow, Hypnotic, Rootsy, Nature
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Fingerstyle, Instrumental, Sparse, Progressive
John Fahey – The Yellow Princess Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Depressive, Existential Late Night Bus Rides, Autumnal, Lethargic, Introspective, Moody, Alienation, Sad, Misanthropic, Sombre, Melancholic, Poetic, Pessimistic, Breakup, Sentimental, Lonely
Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Atmospheric
Red House Painters – Down Colorful Hill Read More »
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Morning, Reflective, Soothing, Gentle, Bittersweet, Warm, Mellow, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Soft, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Sparse, Polished Production
Instrumentation: Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Piano, Harmonium, Glockenspiel, Keyboards
Joan Shelley – Over and Even Read More »
Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Bittersweet, Reflective, Breakup, Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Poetic, Sombre, Longing
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Sparse, Acoustic, Slow
Mickey Newbury – Better Days Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter
HGM Side: Americana, Warm, Contemplative, Sunny, Rural, Passionate, Spiritual, Introspective
Chapman Side: Chamber Folk, Melancholy, Morning, Mellow, Autumnal, Reflective, Storytelling
Hiss Golden Messenger / Michael Chapman – Parallelogram Read More »
Style: Chamber Jazz, Solo Cello
Vibe: Longing, Contemplative, Elegant, Focused, Introspective, Driving, Passionate, Searching
Musical Qualties: Virtuosic, Acoustic, Sparse, Instrumental, Improvisation, Dynamic, Rhythmic, Melodic
Dave Holland – Life Cycle Read More »
featuring Chick Corea, Anthony Braxton, Bennie Maupin, Andrew Cyrille, etc…
Style: Modern Creative, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Mysterious, Suspenseful, Nature, Abstract, Surreal, Kinetic, Visceral, Earthy, Swirling, Pastoral (Side A)
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Sparse, Acoustic, Atonal, Experimental Vocals, Extended Techniques, Dissonant, Percussive, Homemade Instrument
Marion Brown – Afternoon of a Georgia Faun Read More »
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore
Vibe: Tender, Bittersweet, Stark, Cryptic, Storytelling, Melancholy, Lethargic, Poetic, Autumnal, Heartfelt, Mellow, Playful
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Sparse
Matt Sweeney & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Superwolf Read More »
Style: American Primitivism, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Raga?Vibe: Mystical, Nature, Open, Passionate, Pastoral, Peaceful, Airy, Contemplative, Earthy, Impressionistic, Meditative, Morning, Spring, Spiritual,
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Indian-Influenced, Sparse, Technical
Robbie Basho – Visions of the Country Read More »
Style: Lo-Fi Songwriter, Loner Folk, Slowcore
Vibe: Intimate, Sad, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Heartfelt, Stream of Consciousness, Introspective, Longing, Depressive, Lonely, Melancholy, Loss
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Acoustic, Lo-Fi, Minimalistic, Raw, Repetitive
Richard Youngs – Sapphie Read More »
Style: Ambient Folk, ECM-Jazz, New Age
Vibe: Soothing, Airy, Meditative, Pastoral, Winter, Open, Hypnotic, Nature
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Percussive, Sparse, Progressive
Instrumentation: 6 & 12-String Acoustic Guitars, Percussion (Kalimba, Shaker, Bongos, Congas, etc), Tape Loops
Steve Tibbets – Northern Song Read More »
Recorded in Tokyo with regular collaborators Gary Peacock and Benny Maupin, plus amazing local pianist Hideo Ichikawa, “Have You Heard?” is an interesting & exploratory record from master drummer Jack DeJohnette. Two shorter cuts of nocturnal modal-jazz bookend a pair of longer, abstract pieces that recall the “modern creative” improvisations coming out of Chicago.
Recommended for fans of Miles Davis’ Nefertiti as well as the works of Art Ensemble of Chicago
Jack DeJohnette – Have You Heard? Read More »
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Mystical, Nature, Soothing, Mellow, Tender, Flowing, Forest, Peaceful, Morning, Earthy, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Simple, Lyrical, Soft, Melodic, Solo
Collie Ryan – The Hour is Now Read More »
Style: Folk, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Outsider, Rebellious, Melancholy, Storytelling, Intimate, Philosophical, Personal, Political
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Bluesy, Lyrical
Julius Lester – Departures Read More »
Style: Solo Guitar Improvisations, American Primitive Guitar
Vibe: Pastoral, Peaceful, Contemplative, Soothing, Open
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Improvisation, Solo, Atmospheric
David Grubbs – Borough of Broken Umbrellas Read More »
Ry Cooder’s beautifully spacious ambient-western compositions are a transcendent pairing with this meditative, expansive film.
Ry Cooder – Paris, Texas (Soundtrack) Read More »
Style: Ritual Folk, Drone
Vibe: Ancient, Forest, Meditative, Ritualistic, Intimate, Devotional, Earthy, Nature, Autumnal, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Field Recordings, Drone, Atmospheric, Sparse, Suite
Fletcher Tucker – Unlit Trail Read More »
Style: Ambient Blues, Solo Electric Guitar
Vibe: Longing, Soothing, Nocturnal, Impressionistic, Lonely, Meditative, Melancholy, Suspenseful,
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Improvisation (solo), Atmospheric, Instrumental, Lo-fi
Loren Connors – Blues: The “Dark Paintings” of Mark Rothko Read More »
Style: Loner Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Blues
Vibe: Introspective, Mellow, Intimate, Longing, Autumnal, Raw, Loner, Simple, Poetic, Melancholy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lyrical
Jackson C. Frank – Jackson C. Frank Read More »
Style: Americana, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Slowcore
Vibe: Moody, Cryptic, Grim, Playful, Surreal, Stark, Sexual, Bittersweet, Warm, Dark Humor
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Acoustic, Melodic, Sparse
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billie & Matt Sweeney – Superwolves Read More »
Joshua Abrams – Guimbri
Chad Taylor – Mbira
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Repetitive, Sparse, Acoustic, Minimalist
Mind Maintenance – Mind Maintenance Read More »
Style: English Folk, Celtic Folk
Vibe: Flowing, Pastoral, Melancholy, Heartfelt, Intimate, Rootsy, Storytelling
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Acoustic, A Cappella (A2, A5, B1-3, B5)
Anne Briggs – Anne Briggs Read More »
Style: American Primitvism, Ambient Blues, Solo Electric Guitar
Vibe: Meditative, Longing, Spiritual, Pastoral, Loose, Kinetic
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dissonance, Instrumental, Sparse
Bill Orcutt – Odds Against Tomorrow Read More »
Style: Lo-Fi Folk, Slowcore Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Religious, Raw, Melancholy, Back-Porch, Lethargic, Stark, Intimate, Rustic
Lyrics: Christian, Alienation, Sexual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lo-Fi
Palace Brothers – There is No-One What Will Take Care of You Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Slowcore
Vibe: Lament, Depressive, Intimate, Lonely, Rustic, Mournful, Dark
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Voice, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Organ, Cello
Jason Molina – Eight Gates Read More »
