Les Finnigan, "The Fiery Cart," String Plunker Records, 2009

Perhaps November is the right time to slip Les Finnigan’s latest CD, "The Fiery Cart," in the CD player for a spin. The changing colors outside reflect Finnigan’s use of the tonal palette of his 6-string to create aural images that are at the same time warm and inviting, and dark and complex. Finnigan is no rapid-fire flexer of guitar flashings, but more a crafter of melodies that breathe. A good example of Finnigan’s complexity is "Dreaming Arrangements," built around a simple yet flowing melody line, but augmented by darker, minor chords that add tension to the tune, but not in a way that distracts. It’s like a picture of life within a song: beauty tinged with sorrow at unexpected places. Other cuts where we hear the same effect are "Dancing Around the Topic," "A Sense of Pillow," and "Three Perspectives." "Bowl o’ Cocobolo" is a rolling tribute to the magnificent Fabrizio Alberico steel string used to record "The Fiery Cart." It’s an outstanding instrument, put to good use in Finnigan’s hands. Finnigan is like many modern fingerstyle players, using tapping effectively to add power to arrangements, like on "The Fairlane," where pops and string bends add a sort of hypnotic feeling. "Fret Buzz" is a dancing, weaving song that reveals the power of the guitarist’s right hand technique. The final cut, "Tord and Bobo," is slow, almost dirge-like, yet somehow enchanting. If you’re looking for some great songs for a cool fall day, "The Fiery Cart" is a fine CD of solo acoustic guitar music.

© Kirk Albrecht