Warren Buttler

The Cultivation of Grace

Not so long ago, I did a review of Warren’s debut album The Properties of Mercy. If you recall, that review was quite favorable. So, it’s with great pleasure and anticipation that I put on Warren’s follow up album, The Cultivation of Grace.

As much as I loved the first album, this one is definitely a cut above. On Cultivation, Warren follows along the same road as Properties, yet he expands the style and his playing range, adding more guitars, something weird called a square neck dobro (basically, a dobro with a 2 x 4 for a neck) and mandolins.

Warren can play. And I mean really play. Yet, as opposed to so many guitarists who come up with albums that show off their prowess, Warren takes the time to work around melodies, always beautiful. This is truly an album from the heart.

The mood, at times melancholic, is never disturbing, although it is often haunting. With grace and style, Warren will take you away on a voyage across the planet, across mindscapes. Play it as a background to work, when alone with that special someone, before going to bed, to relax or to let your mind wander, free. But play it. Again and again. You’ll never get tired of its incredible beauty.

Having spoken to Warren several times, I can tell you he is a kind and generous soul. But you don’t need to talk to him to find that out, it is obvious through his music.

The only disappointment from the album comes when it finishes. But it doesn’t last very long as you realize you can just play it again. And it sounds as fresh as the first time.

The title of the album is quite just, this is really the cultivation of grace. Do yourself a favor and buy this album.

The Properties of Mercy

This man certainly has an interesting bio. He started playing the guitar at 10, teaching it at 14 and was paid to play it at 15. Then he became a policeman, and went into counter-terrorism. All in all, he spent about 18 years not playing the guitar.

Then one day, as he arrived to a friend’s sons birthday party an hour ahead of schedule, he walked into a guitar store just for the hell of it. He walked out with two new guitars and started playing again.

I’ve spoken to Warren and can tell you he’s a really nice guy. Very interesting overall and just plain great to talk to. One thing we did discuss as, I have, myself, had a period of 8 years where I didn’t play at all, was the fact that we both found that once you pick it up again, you find you can play better than you used to. Perhaps your mind pays more attention to what others are doing when you’re not playing, who knows. Suffice it to say that Warren’s talents are certainly not in doubt.

It’s difficult for me to isolate just one track and say that it’s my favorite as the album is worth listening to from beginning to end. Although I must admit to having a penchant for the second piece, Highway to Kuwait, which is in the same vein as what Tangerine Dream are doing nowadays. Certainly not a bad comparison. Of course, there is I’m Alright – I’m O.K. which just stops at the end. The fade probably lasts 0.342 seconds, giving the overall impression that that’s it. Makes me smile every time.

I’m very glad Warren’s been getting some airplay in the US and Canada with this album. It’s certainly well-deserved. One of the best albums of the year.