By: R. Scott Bolton
he CD "Consistent Variation" is best described on the liner notes by Rob Eberhard Young
himself: "While playing a sold-out rock show at a big club in Boston in 1993," Young
writes, "it suddenly hit me how completely unfulfilled I felt as a musician. The
electric guitar had captivated me for nearly 15 years, but that was about to change.
The next day, I came across a street musician named Ned Landin who played acoustic
guitar in an incredibly powerful way that completely leveled me. That was it. I went
home, put the Strat in the closet, grabbed my old acoustic and fell in love.
'Consistent Variation' was formed over the next two weeks, lying on the floor of my
apartment with the lights off, tuning the guitar weird, and just exploring. It was
the most amazing feeling of freedom."
Anyone who's ever hung out with guitarists has heard the type of music that's
performed on "Consistent Variation." It's the kind of stuff guitarists do when they
think no one else is listening. It's free form, non-regimented, stream of
consciousness music - sound that comes from the soul.
What's surprising is how listenable Young's musical musings are to the listener.
Young, obviously an incredibly talented musician, not only exposes his soul on
"Consistent Variation" but communicates his emotions as well. If there is anything
like a musical conversation, then "Consistent Variation" is it. With its impressive
musicianship and soulful openness, "Consistent Variation" is a very entertaining and
surprisingly enlightening CD.
|
