If you ever find yourself in the mood to sport a kilt, paint your
face, and sprint topless across the Scottish highlands with Mel Gibson at your
side, than Kaki King’s newest album ‘Glow’, released October 9th, is perfect
for you. Then again, if that isn’t your plan, this album is still probably
perfect for you.
King, the first of two daughters, was born in Atlanta, and from a
young age showed natural music ability. Though she was introduced to the guitar
at the age of four and played for a number of years, the drums became her
primary instrument s as a teen. King would not revisit the guitar until she
attended New York University in the late 90’s, where she began to study under the
guidance of Dr. Bill Rayner, a notable professor of guitar. King would spend
the rest of her time in college modestly building her musical career from the
ground up, playing the occasional live show and busking in the New York
Subways.
Over a decade later, it would seem that this hard work has paid
off. To date King has released 6 full length albums, each one more polished and
concise than the last, and in 2006 earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of
“The New Guitar Gods”, where she was both the only woman and youngest artist.
Apart from these accomplishments, King has been praised by, and played
alongside a number of accomplished musicians, such as Dave Grohl, Old Crow
Medicine Show, and Eddie Veter.
Kaki King has carried this momentum into her most recent release,
relying on the fret-tapping and slap bass techniques which made her famous to
construct diverse soundscapes that span a variety of moods and emotions.
Likewise, this variety truly makes it an album for any occasion--regardless of
one’s frame of mind, King provides something you can run with. You may find
yourself humbled by the subtly ominous tones of “Marche Slav”, or perhaps
inspired by the relentlessly upbeat, distinctly Celtic melodies of “King
Pizel”. Similarly, if you’re seeking an easy-listening tune to drown out
surrounding distractions as you study, look no further than the spacey ‘Bowen
Island’.
Regardless
of how you’re feeling however, I can promise you that ‘Glow’ will not
disappoint; the vast menagerie moods and melodies will almost certainly clear
your head and transport you to some distant, unspecified location.
