Paul Pigat

The Game

BY Kerry DoolePublished Mar 21, 2019

7
The Game is the second part of a planned Boxcar Campfire Trilogy from noted BC guitarist Paul Pigat, following 2009's self-titled first instalment, Paul Pigat's Boxcar Campfire. That's a long gap between records, but Pigat is in demand by other artists (Neko Case, Carolyn Mark, Michael Kaeshammer) and has another musical alter ego, Cousin Harley.
 
This album is predominantly solo, focusing on his guitar playing and vocals, with guest Marc L'Esperance on additional vocals and percussion. Pigat has a somewhat gruff, yet authentic voice, one sometimes employed in a talking blues style, but it is his always fluent and versatile guitar work that especially catches the ear.
 
This eclectic collection mixes originals and covers, and includes a couple of instrumentals. The material covers a range of blues styles, a foray into folk narrative with "Hartland," and a mix of tempos and tones. His slowed-down take on "Ring of Fire" is creditable, but this is a tune that has been over-covered. Atop a Bo Diddley-style beat, he revs things up on "Piece of Work," a tune suggestive of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. The album closes out in mellow style with a short instrumental, "Brody," a lullaby for this warming campfire.
(Independent)

Latest Coverage