Tom Carter. Actually, full disclosure, I’m not that familiar with Tom Carter, though perhaps I should be, given that he was born in my home state of Maryland, and that he’s very well-known among free folk and drone circles — primarily as the co-founder of Charalambides, but also as a collaborator with the likes of Bardo Pond and Thurston Moore. Unfortunately, back in June, Carter’s stringed escapades were unexpectedly cut short due to complications from pneumonia, which he contracted during a Charalambides European tour. After a period in intensive care in Berlin, he returned to the United States, though he reportedly remains completely out of commission until an unspecified date next year.
Obviously, we at TMT wish him a most-speedy recovery, but words only go so far, especially when you consider the potentially life-ruining medical bills that a person can accumulate here in this supposedly developed country (can you sense my angst?). In recognition of this, as well as, of course, out of sympathy, a few of his many musician friends have come together to produce an 11-track, $10 compilation, the proceeds of which will go exclusively towards relieving Carter of whatever financial burden he may now find himself in the midst of.
Artists featured on the compilation include Bill Orcutt, Ilyas Ahmed, Jon Porras and Evan Caminiti (of Barn Owl), and Pete Swanson (who, along with Carter himself, comprises one-half of the drone duo Sarin Smoke). Purchase the digital album here, and go to Help Tom Carter for more information.
Music for Tom Carter tracklist:
01. Bill Orcutt, “Over the Rainbow”
02. Decimus, “From Down Below”
03. Jon Porras, “Places”
04. Ilyas Ahmed, “In Desire”
05. Metal Rouge, “More Love”
06. Pete Swanson, “Citizens on Patrol (RIP)”
07. Ensemble Economique, “UNDER the Almond Blossoms”
08. Evan Caminiti, “Red Wine for Holy Bones”
09. Marcia Bassett & Barry Weisblat, “Unparalleled Views”
10. Common Eider, King Eider, “Mounds (Live at The Lab, SF - 7/7/12)”
11. Jefre Cantu-Ledesma w/ Peter Broderick, “Koan for Tom Carter”
• Tom Carter: http://www.wholly-other.com/tom_carter.html
• Help Tom Carter: http://helptomcarter.org
More about: Bill Orcutt, Jon Porras, Pete Swanson, Tom Carter