Album Review: Toulouse Engelhardt - "Mind Gardens" (9/10)

An instrumental master, Engelhardt shows off his craft as a world-class 12-string guitarist. Compositions here are by turns elegant, beautiful, meditative, intricate, psychedelic and an overall joy. A few pieces are harmonically and rhythmically complex, and some show the distinct imprint of the late John Fahey, known for his stream-of-consciousness picking abilities. Some of the titles recall Fahey’s whimsy (“Golden Apple Vacancy,” “Lavender Ascension II”). Of special note are two covers, one by 20th century composer Poulenc, and a shimmering version of Dick Dale’s surf classic “The Wedge.” Get this today!

Score: 9 out of 10

Toulouse Engelhardt
Mind Gardens
Lost Grove Arts, Inc.
Producer: Toulouse Engelhardt