As a member of Sun City Girls, Sir Richard Bishop has made his mark on post-punk. As a solo artist, Bishop continues to do that with the sort of rough folk-inspired material on his own records. Hillbilly Ragas, the new one on Drag City, is yet another in a string of quietly thrilling releases.
There's flashes of Bert Jansch-inspired stuff on "Buzzard's Curse", and a jittery, clipped phrasing on "Rhythm Methodist" that recalls Jimmy Page, of all people. Still, Sir Richard Bishop charms most on the folk-y rambles like "Cuttin' the Shine", a more lyrical offering here. On seemingly simple pieces like "Worn Slap Out", the guitarist uses big chords and a heavy hand to ring them. The tune is nimble, and with a dark undercurrent in its grooves that's almost flamenco-ish.
The fingers of Sir Richard Bishop deftly navigate the guitar. This is music which seems so direct and light in spots, but which contains a multitude of complications on close listen. While there are flavors here that point back to folk and blues forms, Bishop is intent on crafting his own style here. As such, Hillbilly Ragas is one in a line of records from Bishop which deserves all of your attention.
Hillbilly Ragas by Sir Richard Bishop is out now via Drag City.
More details on the official website for Sir Richard Bishop.
[Photo: Mae Starr]