Glenn Jones Against Which The Sea Continually Beats CD

Recording information: Digitall Studios, West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, MA.
Photographers: Noran Smith Jr.; Nancy Given.
Glenn Jones, the central member of proggy post-rock act Cul De Sac, jumped at the chance to team with finger-picking guitar legend John Fahey, and in 1997 they released the groundbreaking THE EPIPHANY OF GLENN JONES. The title proved to be more than mere words as, in the succeeding years, Cul De Sac would veer away from avant-garde, electronic sounds into a more reflective, wandering, bluegrass-tinged brand of folk. The "solo" record AGAINST WHICH THE SEA CONTINUALLY BEATS (2007) is the culmination of Jones's transformation, an evocative, haunting record on which the guitarist continues his mastery of the wordless yarn.
Although he's hardly a newcomer, Glenn Jones has been picked up by the new generation of acoustic guitarists, which has helped make this album a reality. He's made the most of this opportunity, showing himself to be, if not a disciple of the late John Fahey, then influenced by his expansive work. There's plenty going on in Jones' instrumentals, like the lovely bass-string melody that crops up during "David and the Phoenix," for example. He's not merely adept; he's a superbly adventurous player, who uses extended tunes as springboards for exploration, as in the celebratory "Freedom Raga." Using half and two/thirds capos on the fretboard creates some fascinating tunings, which give an added spark of individuality. Even on slide, Jones shows himself to be an exceptional instrumentalist (as on the two "Islands" pieces that frame the disc). Melodies and ideas cascade from his fingers; this is a man who deserves a much wider audience. ~ Chris NicksonThe Wire (p.63) - "The brief slide piece 'Island' that opens the album sets expectation high, with its intricate, fluid and complex lines....With Jones you can fall in love with the sound of six strings all over again."