LP Co-Release With Carbon Records
$24
Similar to Eric Arn and other folks in the guitar realm, William DeLee leans at times to the more neo-classical and cleaner side of acoustic guitar playing. But like Arn, he is never stale or overly traditional, and also like Arn, William has some mad skills, some might say, he’s a virtuoso. Raynol Overlook showcases both Will’s expertise, but also his incredible creative approach to both 6-stringand 12-string guitar, as well as his emersion into the Andean stringed-instrument the charango. Like on past releases, this LP is a perfect blend of pieces composed on these various instruments.
The first three tracks on side 1 are simply titled after the feature instrument, Nylon, Charango, and 12-String, which basically lay the groundwork for what’s to come. All three showcase Will’s incredibly fast and finessed right hand work, at times classical, and other times, almost flamenco in style. Fitting references to his various influences, as well as the origin of the charango.
Falls and Rueili sees Will switch to the ronroco, the baritone member of the charango family. Fallsshows the quick right hand, bursts of fluttering fingers on the strings, accompanied by Joe Apice on shruti box (although its incorrectly credited to the next track, Rueili). Rueili then continues on the ronroco, but at a slightly slower tempo, but with similar quick finger action. Woven returns to the earlier neo-classical leanings of the first track. Larch Mountain Trail completes the side, with an airy live recording, almost sounding like a field recording on said trail, watching the various hikers walk by on their respective journeys.
Panjakent kicks off side 2 with the return to the 12-string. After a minute of bursts, Will bears down with such consistency and intense right-hand action, with an undertone of pulse and rhythm. On Night Train to Khiva, Will is joined by Aspen Claire DeVillier on vocals, Josh Moss on acoustic guitar, and Milkshake on electric guitar, expanding the sonic palette of the release, and completely adds to the overall vibe and intensity of this piece. Kilim quiets things down a bit, returning to the nylon string guitar, before Will is joined by Jake Soffer on electric guitar, as well as Josh (acoustic guitar) and Aspen (singing bowls) again, to round out the release with meditative and soothing title track.
