Homegrown favorite Greg Townson released his first collection of solo guitar instrumentals, “Solo Street,” in late May. The 10-song record showcases sweet fingerpicking and clean, articulate fretwork. It’s about dynamics, not gymnastics, and illustrates the work of a practiced craftsman.
Townson is usually recognized for his work with Rochester’s Hi-Risers, his collaborations with Nick Lowe or as a masked marauder of tasteful twang with Los Straitjackets. On “Solo Street,” his guitar does the work of a full band, producing memorable melodies and luminous licks in an intimate, airy fashion.
His songs cover quirky pop-abilly, cinematic ragtime and bluesy vignettes and, together, tell the tale of a strut down “Solo Street.” The story comes to life with “Flower City,” a fragrant ode to home, and continues through the R&B dance of “Topsy-Turvy” and the hip jittering of “Space Mosquito.” Townson’s plucky picking and the organic decay of reverb leave enjoyable artifacts throughout the up-close recording.
The sweet mindfulness of the title song contrasts with the rhythmic bite of “Step Aside,” while “Old San Juan” takes us away from “Solo Street” on a folk-inflected riff and the closing “Bumper Car” conjures the faded image of a postcard carnival.
Townson’s attention to phrasing and touch is meticulous throughout “Solo Street.” There is no sleight of hand or hiding behind a wall of superfluous effects. It’s skin to strings, pickup to amplifier. Using vintage guitars and analog attitude, Townson embraces his catalog, old and new, on “Solo Street.” It’s a record rich with poetic instrumentation that evokes both time and place.
