Frank Fairfield is a musically talented young Californian with a definitively old-timey sound, whose career trajectory has been a strange and fast ride. A fervent collector of 78’s who was discovered as a busker fiddling on the streets of L.A. and later selected as the supporting act for indie folk rockers Fleet Foxes, Fairfield continues to gain legions of converts as he sings, hoots, coos, yelps, and plays fiddle, banjo and guitar. His 2009 self-titled debut album mesmerized listeners and his 2010 Pickathon appearances stunned crowds. But with the praise for Fairfield’s authentic and impassioned interpretations of blues and bluegrass came the smug and erroneous criticism that he was a one-trick pony, spinning faithful reproductions but lacking creative and collaborative chops. Well, Fairfield has again exceeded expectations with his sophomore release Out on the Open West, an album primarily comprised of originals that also features guest appearances by Willie Watson (Old Crow Medicine Show), Blind Boy Paxton, Tom Marion, and Kentucky based gypsy jazz practitioners, brothers Justin and Josh Petrojvic, and Brandon Armstrong. Fairfield’s blues are intense and possess a captivating immediacy, and Out on the Open West showcases his evolving and epic talent. Highlights include the opener “Frazier Blues”, “Someday You’ll Be Free”, and the title track. – Written by JFelton
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