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American Primitive is an ugly term these days. It serves as more of reminder of the looming shadow of John Fahey than it does any kind of reference to the fingerpicking currently happening in and around the United States. Of all the places fostering this trending genre, Philadelphia and Western Massachusetts seem to be its main hubs. From the charged playing of Chris Forsyth and Mike Polizze (Purling Hiss) to the sacred sounds of Daniel Bachman and Willie Lane, The City of Brotherly Love and its surrounding area continues to be a breeding ground for a new school of players.
Enter Gabriel Slavitt, a mixed media artist and musician hailing from where else, but The Quaker City. His newest EP, No Skinny Minnie, is of the same high caliber as all the aforementioned artists’ work. Recorded in his mom’s garage in January, the short release reveals a skilled musician performing both lighthearted and austere compositions with command. On tracks like, “On a Skyway Over the River Blues” and “Snaker Ray Memorial,” Slavitt delivers arrangements that are joyous, hopeful, and somber all at once.
Demonstrating veteran pacing throughout, No Skinny Minnie, is a work worthy of attention and many repeated listens.
