One of guitarist Shane Parish’s specialties is turning songs from a variety of genres into emotive, complex soundscapes. His newest record, Solo at Cafe OTO, is his first self-released LP and features six such interpretations. Two of the songs are British folk ballads, one is a cut from the “Twin Peaks” soundtrack written by Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch, and the rest are American folk ballads by John Jacob Niles. Parish was drawn to these songs because of their atmospheric qualities, which he further intensifies in his versions, recorded on a Fender Squier Telecaster at the titular London cafe at a sold-out show on tour with the Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet in 2023. Parish differentiates this album from his more tight-knit arrangements on last year’s release, Repertoire, saying “the melody of the ballad is a catalyst for discovery, allowing the song to steer the ship, and occasionally pulling ashore to tarry in a tide pool.” He will play this album release show with Asheville band Porcelain Parrot, who is also celebrating an EP release, and local bands Johnny Falloon and Coma Therapy.
WHO: Shane Parish Album Release
WHEN: Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show)
WHERE: 40 Watt Club
HOW MUCH: $10
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