Peter Walker, a guitarist deeply rooted in Woodstock’s musical history, resurfaces with a captivating collaboration, Lachesis/Clotho/Atropos. This project, a fusion of generations and styles, brings together Harmony Rockets (Mercury Rev), Martin Keith, Nels Cline (Wilco), and Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth). Walker’s journey, from his folk-raga explorations in the late sixties to his recent resurgence, reflects the enduring spirit of Woodstock’s unique artistic landscape.
Walker’s early career saw him record two albums for Vanguard, showcasing his immersion in American folk-raga, influenced by his studies with Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan. Beyond his own musical pursuits, he served as musical director for Dr. Timothy Leary, orchestrating the soundscapes for the LSD advocate’s gatherings. His connection to Woodstock extended to a close friendship with the late folksinger Karen Dalton, whose legacy he championed by producing Remembering Mountains: Unheard Songs by Karen Dalton. This album featured unrecorded Dalton compositions interpreted by contemporary artists like Sharon Van Etten, Patty Griffin, and Lucinda Williams.
After decades away from the spotlight, Walker was rediscovered by Tompkins Square in 2006, marking a renewed chapter in his musical journey. He has since recorded for Jack White’s Third Man label, continuing to explore new avenues of expression. The latest endeavor, Lachesis/Clotho/Atropos, signifies a powerful confluence of musical forces, uniting Walker with the talents of Harmony Rockets, Martin Keith, Nels Cline, and Steve Shelley. This intergenerational collaboration is a testament to the enduring creative energy that permeates Woodstock, a town steeped in musical history and mythical allure.
The project evokes the spirit of Woodstock, as described by Barney Hoskyns in “Small Town Talk”: a place of “maverick talents,” a haven for artists, but also a scene marked by its complexities. Lachesis/Clotho/Atropos emerges from this environment, a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend generations and unite diverse artistic voices. This collaborative effort encapsulates the essence of “Old Old Woodstock,” a place where musical legacies intertwine, fostering a dynamic interplay between the real and the mythologized. The album promises a sonic exploration, a “mind-melting” experience born from the collaborative spirit of seasoned musicians and rising talents, all drawn together by the magnetic pull of Woodstock’s enduring artistic magnetism.
The coming together of these artists in Lachesis/Clotho/Atropos represents more than a musical collaboration; it’s a convergence of Woodstock’s past and present, a testament to the enduring power of its artistic spirit.