Been all over this Yasmin Williams album that came out today (Jan 29) via Spinster Sounds. Williams is a Virginia native and guitar virtuoso that makes some of the most unique instrumental acoustic guitar music out there. Williams brings a tap/percussive element to the instrument, while also adding kora and kalimba to the equation to vary the timbre and weight of the notes. Not to be outdone, she also adds tap shoes into the equation, like a Cape Breton fiddler. North American percussive guitar stylings and traces of West African plucked wizardry? That’s a recipe for an earthy, hearty and fulfilling album, which this is. I only had to hear a few tracks before I ordered the vinyl. Some sounds here I want filling my home for sure.
The album only came out today – I’m excited to see how these tracks continue to morph in fancy as I sit with them longer.