Ed Gerhard may well be one of the most talented guitarists alive today. He also writes some of the most quietly mind-blowing music you will ever hear produced by one person.
So, then, who the hell is he?
Ed Gerhard is a finger-style acoustic guitarist out of Strafford, NH. He plays instrumental guitar compositions, generally bearing some noticeable influence from the classical, folk, or blues traditions. Setting him apart from the legion of other ‘folky’ acoustic guitarists, however, is his use of unusual chord voicings and layered, complimentary lines to create songs with complex harmonies and compelling and well-supported melodies. To put it more plainly, the first thing you’ll notice about Ed’s music is that it sounds as if there are two or three people playing at once. After that, if you’re listening carefully, you’ll probably notice how different parts will come in and drop out as they’re needed, and that they all fit together exceptionally well, despite doing completely different things harmonically and rhythmically. On top of everything else, you’ll hear a bright, clear melody. Below that, there’s generally two or three rhythm ‘voices’ that can surge along, propelling the song, or can hang back and just add light accents. Blended together, these parts make for remarkably complex music, with subtle little dissonances giving way to perfect, beautiful harmony. Probably the best example of this kind of layered arrangement can be seen in his song “Tennessee” below. (This tune starts off kind of slow, so listen through to the end for the full effect. Also, keep in mind as you listen that he’s playing this live, solo, and that the first fifty seconds or so are improvised.) All in all, the unusual, layered composition lets Ed’s songs move in unexpected directions with ease, helping his music sound remarkably fresh.
For all Ed’s skill as a composer, however, his real genius is for playing the guitar. He is an unbelievably dexterous player, and that dexterity (combined with judicious use of alternate tunings) allows the richness and complexity you can hear in his music. What really makes Ed’s songs shine, though, and what sets him apart from just any other quick-fingered guitarist is a brilliant ear for tone and a great intuitive feel for his instrument. With subtle nuances of attack and tone, he can make the melody stand out, clear and articulate, and give each rhythm line a voice of it own. Indeed, in most of his pieces it’s hard to believe that only one person is playing - if this wasn’t clear in “Tennessee”, take a listen to “Little Road” below. (Yes, that one’s solo, too). This isn’t mere studio wizardry and rote memorization, though. Ed is every bit as good live. Indeed, he might even be better, as his live performances contain a healthy element of improvisation, with songs combined into medleys and whole sections of old tunes rewritten on the fly. Oh, and did I mention that he’s also one of the greatest slide guitarists I’ve ever heard?
The thematic content of Ed’s albums range from Night Birds, his 1987 debut, which leans more towards the classical in both the content of its compositions and the feel of Ed’s playing, to Sunnyland, his most recent album, which is nothing but Blues songs of various persuasions. His individual songs run the gamut from original compositions to interpretations of old folk and gospel numbers to the occasional Beatles cover. All of his tunes are fairly quiet and unobtrusive, but they contain a remarkable emotional depth that rewards close listening. That’s not to say his every song is perfect: he can get a little syrupy at times, particularly on “Counting The Ways”, an album of love songs. Still, though, the vast majority of his music is sincere and betrays a world-class talent that the world has somehow failed to notice.
By way of parting - and because I haven’t given you anything to back up that slide guitar claim I made earlier - listen to “Shallow Brown” below.
I think you’ll agree. This guy is good.
-DLap
Listen to a live version of “Tennessee” by Ed Gerhard
Ed Gerhard - Tennessee - The Live Album
Listen to “Little Road” by Ed Gerhard
Ed Gerhard - Little Road - Sunnyland
Listen to “Shallow Brown” by Ed Gerhard
Ed Gerhard - Shallow Brown - The Live Album