Larry Conklin and Jochen Blum – “Water & Time” (audio) (premiere)

Larry Conklin and Jochen Blum’s privately pressed 1980 effort Jackdaw arrives in reissued form via Tompkins Square on 6 October. Conklin, influenced by Bert Jansch, Rev. Gary Davis, Leo Kottke, John Renbourn, et al., Conklin demonstrates his 12-string prowess across the album, proving that he was already a deeply focused talent on his debut. In the decades following the release of Jackdaw, Conklin would become a consistent presence on the European music scene, recording several more albums across the decades.

His duets with violinist Jochen Blum, including the haunting “Madeleine” and the Old World-meets-New World titular piece. Conklin met the mysterious Blum in Florence Italy, the same year Jackdaw was released and the chemistry exhibited on their duets is undeniable. “His playing put excitement into my music,” recalls the guitarist.

You can hear Conklin the gentle “Water & Time” below, a track notable for its gentle, meditative nature. But, as with so much of the music on this release, there are deeper currents that become apparent upon repeated listens.

Jackdaw is the latest in a series of recordings from Tompkins Square spotlighting players featured on the impressive Imaginational Anthem vol.8: The Private Press.