So, I get this email out of nowhere one day earlier this month, and it’s from John, the fellah at the label Holy Mountain. He presented me with this new album by Henry Plotnick called Fields, which came out July 9 (so I’m late to the game — EEK!), and gave me a mini rundown of the music and the musician’s background. Now, John requested not to make a big deal about it, but Henry Plotnick is 11 years old, and I just can’t help to not make a big deal about raw talent. I don’t mean raw in an improvisational or gritty way, but raw as in natural and new. It’s so interesting to see such fresh youth tearing down what adults practice hours and hours to achieve. The kid has jest and gumption and zest, and it’s noticeable in the music. It doesn’t sound crayoned or angsty, voice crackled or fashionable. It sounds pleasant and patient, with hints of “All that yes, Ima pour a warm bath and take a nap.” Which seems like an interesting pride in modern parenting.
So, sorry, John. I had to be a booger about Henry’s age. But Henry, you got people going “WOO!” and it ain’t ‘cause the music is racy or egoing out; it’s ‘cause you got that inborn ability to patiently compose. Good enough to bounce a double LP out on Holy Mountain? Yes.
• Henry Plotnick: http://www.reverbnation.com/henryplotnick
• Holy Mountain: http://www.holymountain.com
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