The passing of Ed Askew last year sparked a seismic shift in the music landscape. A trailblazing artist who defied categorisation, his unique brand of psych-folk has been gaining momentum ever since, captivating new fans with its haunting beauty and introspective power. And now, with the posthumous release of 'The Final Painting', Askew's final studio album, the world is getting a taste of what all the fuss is about.
Askew's journey into music began in the 1950s when he stumbled upon the 10-stringed tiple – a discovery that would change his life forever. He was soon performing in New York's East Village folk venues, where his distinctive sound caught the attention of ESP-Disk, the label behind some of the most innovative free jazz of the time. Their 1968 release of his debut album marked the beginning of a remarkable career that saw Askew pump out an astonishing 50 albums throughout his life – often self-funded through house painting and art teaching.
His music has drawn rapturous praise from a diverse range of contemporaries, including Bill Callahan, who lends his vocals to 'The Final Painting', and Sharon Van Etten. They're not alone in their admiration – Glasgow psych-folk band Trembling Bells have been evangelising Askew's work for years, bringing him to London's Cafe Oto in 2017. And then there's Jerry David DeCicca, who has described Askew's style as possessing a 'singularity' that's like nothing else out there.
Askew's songwriting was a masterclass in observation, weaving together the everyday and the extraordinary with a deftness that's all his own. His baroque compositions – think Cézanne meets Lorca – drew comparisons to the likes of Robert Wyatt and Bob Dylan, but Askew's true peers were the avant-garde artists he so deeply admired. And then, just as his star was rising, 'Moon in the Mind' landed on the soundtrack of Netflix's global hit series 'Baby Reindeer', introducing his music to a whole new generation.
The release of 'The Final Painting' is a poignant tribute to Askew's unyielding creative spirit. Produced by DeCicca, it's a testament to the deep respect and affection he inspired in fellow artists – and a chance for UK audiences to experience the mesmerising world of a true original. With this album available on streaming platforms, Askew's influence is poised to surge to new heights, cementing his place as one of the most innovative musicians of our time.