Larry Conklin & Jochen Blum - Jackdaw (Reissue, Remastered ) (1980/2009)

“As a fan of acoustic guitar & violin interaction, I find this obscure latter day singer-songwriter album appealing. It’s a pro-sounding affair with well-written songs, good male vocals and a uniform, reflective mood. The production value steers the album clear from the usual private press “loser folk” traps, and it has potential in appeal to a pretty wide audience. There are some hints of unwanted singer-songwriter sentimentality (as on the opening track), but otherwise the duo creates attractive tapestries of soaring violin and fluent guitar-picking, reminiscent of the best tracks on the Noonan, Levi & Houshmand album. About half of Jackdaw is instrumental, which is not a drawback. Mature and sophisticated, without being dull.” – Patrick Lundborg