It’s Sunday night after a pretty perfect fall day in Newport. There’s a part of me that wanted to skip the blog entirely in favor of a more mellow night with my wife. But when I say I’m going to do something, even something simple like write a post-a-day for October, I do it.
Of course, there’s a loophole.
The perfect compromise is to write about Willard Grant Conspiracy, which in my mind means Robert Fisher. I’ve never been exactly clear on the membership in said conspiracy, but it’s safe to say that whatever band exists under that name revolves around Robert. And I think that Robert, more than most, could appreciate a short note of thanks with the knowledge that its brevity came at the hands of a perfect Newport evening.
Robert Fisher is someone I’ve gotten to know more through anecdote than actual conversation. We’ve spoken a couple of times, but I sort of appreciate the limited view. The Robert I know is comprised of his music, stories from friends, and short email exchanges about espresso and cheese. In the limited time we’ve had actually speaking he’s shown himself to be kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about his music and the craft that goes into producing it. In his records Robert is all those things and nothing more. He offers bare, honest, and intelligent take on Americana; always with an appreciation of the finer details.
Willard Grant Conspiracy’s new album, Paper Covers Stone, is out now with a streaming preview available at willardgrantconsiracy.cashmusic.org. There you’ll find purchase links for various regions, including iTunes for those that can’t directly purchase from the small labels that support WGC.
Robert’s offering for the CASH Music fundraiser is beyond generous, as he’ll play a house show for the winning bidder. This is limited to cities/times around the Willard Grant Conspiracy tour schedule.
Willard Grant Conspiracy’s CASH fundraiser contribution
Willard Grant Conspiracy’s at CASH
Willard Grant Conspiracy on Twitter
willardgrantconspiracy.com
