Search - Pullman :: Turnstyles & Junkpiles

Think of Pullman as a Y2K edition of Robert Fripp's '80s-era, Appalachian-rooted League of Crafty Guitarists. Pullman's four collaborators--Douglas McCombs (Tortoise, Eleventh Dream Day), Bundy K. Brown (Tortoise cofounder), Curtis Harvey (Rex) and Chris Brokaw (Come)--use Turnstyles & Junkpiles to demonstrate their sincere interest in (and appreciation for) American stylistic influences on modern repertoire for acoustic guitar. A significant departure from each artist's adventurous group projects, Turnstyles & Junkpiles involves only stringed instruments--acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, classical guitar, mandola, dobro, and banjo--and brings to mind the works of John Fahey and Leo Kottke. The reflective, folk-inclined compositions--recorded in a loft over a four-day period live onto two-track tape--are picturesque, thoughtfully conceived, and subtly melodic. Other than a somewhat whimsical sixth track ("Lyasnya"), the recording's 14 ruminating selections sustain a reflective, involving, slightly abstract character--ideal for an NPR-fueled state of contemplation. --Terry Wood