“Concept albums” were among the many artifacts that arose in the 1960s...In the Empty Vee era of rapid-fire sound bytes that have reduced people’s attention span to no more than a few seconds, concept albums have gone the way of thoughtful political discourse. But this week, we have a recording that carries on the tradition, succeeding in

“Concept albums” were among the many artifacts that arose in the 1960s...In the Empty Vee era of rapid-fire sound bytes that have reduced people’s attention span to no more than a few seconds, concept albums have gone the way of thoughtful political discourse. But this week, we have a recording that carries on the tradition, succeeding in capturing the best elements of the form in both content and execution, without any of its pretense. The new CD’s title Desert Motel sums up the overall “concept” behind this album. One can easily imagine the songs’ scenes taking place in the motel’s various rooms, and indeed the CD provides subtle snippets of sound between the tracks to reinforce the atmosphere. DESERT MOTEL is full of rich, highly creative arrangements, with instrumental colors that range from folky to atmospheric to energetically rocky -- sometimes all within the same song. Subtle orchestrations with violin, steel guitar, accordion, clarinet and other unconventional instruments; the skillful use of dynamics; along with Farr’s winsome folky tenor vocals makes this an album that will quickly draw you into its beguiling musical vignettes, in a way that will have you listening to the album on different levels each time you hear it. George Graham, WVIA, Homegrown Music Series

PRODUCED BY EVAN RICHEY AND NED FARR

Engineered and mixed by Evan Richey. Recorded at The Place Studio and at Magic Hour Music, NYC. Mastered by George Graham. All songs by Ned Farr | Waiting wind, ASCAP © 1999. CD design and photography by Ned Farr.

Ned Farr: lead vocals, acoustic guitar

Jon Ossman: bass, stick

Joe Casalino: drums, percussion

Jim Olbrys: electric guitar, ambiences

Cenovia Cummins: violin, electric violin solo on "'Snake"

Peter Kiesewalter: piano, accordion, clarinet, soprano sax. David Hamburger: pedal steel. Evan Richey: cello, vocals. Craig Richey: wurlitzer, vocals. Dreya Weber: background vocals. Reneé Venetiale: background vocals.