Somewhat of an enigma, this solo display by
Eugene Chadbourne on his dobro steel guitar comprises three separate free improvisations, each supposedly tied to a piece of a story taking place in post-communist Romania.
Chadbourne has recorded often on Leo Records, but this performance is different than the others with the disconnected solos on acoustic guitar filling the album. There is less direct humor or silliness here than
Chadbourne often uses, which is to be applauded, and his serious, naked acoustic guitar is alone for a full hour.
Chadbourne proves himself a highly eclectic, technically advanced, and abstract soloist. It is fascinating to discover all the sounds of which he is capable of producing, including some percussion-like spurs.
Chadbourne shows the
Derek Bailey influences, and he has absorbed them in contributing to a uniquely individual musical personality. ~ Steven Loewy