The cigar box guitar creating these American Gothic crossroads soundscapes is intriguing. There's something about that raw, lo-fi quality that can be incredibly grounding for focused work - it has an authenticity that polished production sometimes lacks.
100% agree. And this sound is sparking at a time when slick optics and heavy-handed AV manipulation are used nonstop to distract and destabilize our sense of reality and soulful self-awareness. The crossroads, indeed.
She's cool I really like her sound. I have a cigar box guitar hanging up in my studio but unfortunately the frets aren't attached well enough to make it playable so it's a decorative piece. I've heard Samantha Fish playing hers and they sound great.
I'll think about it. Everything else about the guitar seems to be good working order, and given that I've let it sit out in the elements in my studio for so long, it might just need a new neck altogether
I'd never heard of a cigar box guitar. What fascinating history and what a striking photo of the creamsicle model. People are remarkably inventive when they have to be. We have to have music!
Excellent deep dive on cigar box guitar history and Bear Ryan's stripped-down production choices. The link to American Gothic contemporary themes is sharp, especially framing Mississippi delta blues through Sinners and Midnight Mass. I hadn't conected how scarcity-driven instrument innovation from the 1860s still shapes modern roots music authenticity, but that threading really lands here.
Thanks for reading and adding your thoughts. I feel the same way and am thrilled that women are picking up an instrument that is so ultimately American to communicate these complex historical and modern themes.
The cigar box guitar creating these American Gothic crossroads soundscapes is intriguing. There's something about that raw, lo-fi quality that can be incredibly grounding for focused work - it has an authenticity that polished production sometimes lacks.
100% agree. And this sound is sparking at a time when slick optics and heavy-handed AV manipulation are used nonstop to distract and destabilize our sense of reality and soulful self-awareness. The crossroads, indeed.
Thanks @Melba for sharing!
Thx for sharing @Sintija Brence !
She also on Substack @Dear Diary
She signed up when the review came out. She is going to be a good music stacker!
She's cool I really like her sound. I have a cigar box guitar hanging up in my studio but unfortunately the frets aren't attached well enough to make it playable so it's a decorative piece. I've heard Samantha Fish playing hers and they sound great.
Hey! Maybe Bear’s partner can repair the guitar for you. A link to his website is in the article. How cool would it be to make it sing again!
I'll think about it. Everything else about the guitar seems to be good working order, and given that I've let it sit out in the elements in my studio for so long, it might just need a new neck altogether
They are delicate creatures 🎸
OMG. What a find. Digging into this asap. Thanks Thea.
She is mesmerizing!! And we’re working together to find more women playing CBG’s. This type of community support and promote is magical.
✨🎶🚺🎸
great song check out my bayou music on flowandfusion.substack.com Im Lucille and i have 2 songs Id like your opinion and suggestions. thanks
Patrick at flowandfrsion.substack.com
That orange cigar box guitar sure is pretty.
Right? Really beautiful instruments for “trash” origins.
I'd never heard of a cigar box guitar. What fascinating history and what a striking photo of the creamsicle model. People are remarkably inventive when they have to be. We have to have music!
Isn’t it super cool? And uniquely American in nature. It was a blast learning about it thanks to Bear’s talented niche. Can’t wait to hear her LP.
Excellent deep dive on cigar box guitar history and Bear Ryan's stripped-down production choices. The link to American Gothic contemporary themes is sharp, especially framing Mississippi delta blues through Sinners and Midnight Mass. I hadn't conected how scarcity-driven instrument innovation from the 1860s still shapes modern roots music authenticity, but that threading really lands here.
Thanks for reading and adding your thoughts. I feel the same way and am thrilled that women are picking up an instrument that is so ultimately American to communicate these complex historical and modern themes.
Pls remember to leave names for women who pioneered cigar box guitar playing. I'm happy to add it to the issue!