MP3 Shaun Cromwell - The Turning Of Clocks

An uplifting meditation on death and impermanence, where Roots-based fingerstyle guitar and a soulful voice combine to make a transcendent fusion of Folk, Blues, and Jazz.

11 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Fingerstyle, BLUES: Acoustic Blues



Details:
Recorded with one microphone, a couple of beat-up guitars and many short sessions over a period of several months, Shaun Cromwellâs first release entitled âThe Turning Of Clocksâ is a meditation on death and impermanence. A quote from the albumâs liner notes explains, in one broad stroke, the albumâs concept.

ââ¦a person who is mindful of death and impermanence progresses steadily and makes the most of every precious momentâ. Lama Atisha (982-1054 CE)

While this might seem a fairly pedantic approach, Shaun sees the contemplation of lifeâs finite nature as largely pragmatic. âAll spiritual and philosophical stuff aside, recognizing and accepting that you will die is a very practical way of loving the hell out of your life and trying to fit all that you can into that life. Itâs what makes it possible to even consider writing music. Thatâs why I wanted this to be the underlying theme of the album; itâs not to be morbid, or profound, itâs, hopefully, very simple and optimistic maybe even uplifting at timesâ

In fact, each of the 11 tracks on the album is decidedly uplifting; Shaunâs deftly unique approach to roots-based fingerstyle guitar and his rarefied soulful voice make sure of that. Shaunâs interpretations of existing material are fresh and inspired; both his bluegrass tinged take on âJohn Hardyâ and his jauntingly vibrant version of Mississippi John Hurtâs âLet The Mermaids Flirt With Meâ serve as a testament to his love and knowledge of American Roots music. His original compositions, including two instrumental guitar rags, a murder ballad, and a slide guitar narrative are flowing & memorable. The albumâs sparse production and stripped down approach make for an authentic presentation of Shaunâs music. The recordings are quite literally what you would experience were you in the room with him.