Patrick and I most recently attended the Jose Gonzalez concert in Chicago (10/4), and perhaps there may be a review pending (but I feel that that just might be boring for you readers!).  Opening for Jose, though, was UK guitarist virtuoso James Blackshaw.  I noticed quite immediately that his instrumental guitar-playing didn’t match up with his seemingly boyish look or his nonchalance on stage.  Watching his blurring fingers, each one plucking the strings so effortlessly, quickly–as if each of his phalanges was operated by a different person.  And the sound produced by those nifty appendages was profoundly beautiful.

And so, as I prepare to go to sleep, I wanted to share a lullaby with you.  Sweet dreams.

James Blackshaw – “Running to the Ghost” (4.8/5)