James Blackshaw

A supernatural twelve-string diviner, James Blackshaw’s intoxicating muse educes European classicism, contemporary minimalism, exquisite melody and nigh-on Balearic trance. His incredible, finger-picking idiom pays lavish homage to the guitar mavericks of Sixties folk / raga melting pot Takoma (John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Robbie Basho et al).

The enthralling Londoner’s magnetic drones, mellifluous overtones and recurring patterns are fired by an ardent melodic instinct that burns at the heart of Blackshaw’s magic. Intelligent, meditative and discreetly meteoric, his instrumentals have been exalted by Pitchfork, Uncut, The Wire – and he’s toured with the likes of Espers, Sir Richard Bishop and Marissa Nadler. His latest album, The Cloud of Unknowing, is extraordinary. He will take your breath away.