Cameron Knowler - CRK (2025) [Hi-Res]

One for fans of Bruce Langhorne's desolate 'The Hired Hand' OST, Cameron Knowler's latest is a tribute to the desert landscape of Yuma, Arizona, where he grew up.

Known as "The Sunniest Place on Earth", the Sonoran desert casts an imposing shadow on Knowler's life. He'd been isolated there as a child, unschooled and disconnected from children his own age - and he only returned recently to survey and reconcile his memories, and figure out how to "make sandcastles out of grief". His (mostly) solo guitar reflections are rooted in the region's deep, internalized traumas - and the pensive Americana that emerged - and the darker hues are evident from opener 'Christmas in Yuma', that's accompanied by a poem recited by Jack Kilmer. Over a fluttering ensemble of guitars, Kilmer reads soberly: "Potato farmers, nudists, early adopting, gem trading, banjo pedaling silversmiths and shirtless Alaskans all belong together somewhere, and who knew their point of convergence would be affordable dental work."

Knowler's POV is more evident though on 'Yuma Ferry', a stark solo cut that shows off his unique touch, slowing down the runs so they shimmer like sun on the sand. And on 'Secret Water', his slow, thoughtful melodies provide a solid focus for Rayna Gellert's cinematic fiddle swipes and Ethan Jodziewicz's imposing bass plucks - it's music that could easily sketch out a noir-esque narrative, once you look past the glaring sunlight.



Tracklist:
01-01 Knowler Cameron - Christmas in Yuma [3:00]
01-02 Knowler Cameron - Felicity [4:34]
01-03 Knowler Cameron - On a Widow's Outfit [2:53]
01-04 Knowler Cameron - Yuma Ferry [3:19]
01-05 Knowler Cameron - Mohave Runs the Colorado [3:29]
01-06 Knowler Cameron - Secret Water [3:59]
01-07 Knowler Cameron - La Paz [2:29]
01-08 Knowler Cameron - Last House on Walpi [5:01]
01-09 Knowler Cameron - Farewell, Miss Forbes [1:48]
01-10 Knowler Cameron - A Dove's Call [1:34]
01-11 Knowler Cameron - Mule at the Wagon [4:18]
01-12 Knowler Cameron - Sun Dust [2:54]