Imaginational Anthems, Vol. 7

The Tompkins Square label once again takes up the cause of the humble acoustic guitar with their seventh collection of instrumental guitar tracks, Imaginational Anthems, Vol. 7. The decade-old series initially served as a way to compile lost classics and obscurities of the American Primitive guitar style (John Fahey, Robbie Basho) and combine them with the work of lesser-known contemporary guitarists. As the field of artists working in this milieu grew, the series made a conscious shift toward the present, featuring a variety of younger players as compiled by a different guest curator each time. On Vol. 7, young Texas guitarist Hayden Pedigo has compiled a global-minded set featuring excellent work from a variety of sources and styles. Standouts include the elegant, nylon-string piece "Sea Retreat" from British artist DBH, the mysteriously textural "Araucaria" by Oregon-based guitarist Jordan Norton, and the pensive "On a Slow Passing Through a Ghost Town" by Oakland's Chuck Johnson. Other fine offerings hail from as far away as South America, Malta, and Lisbon. ~ Timothy Monger