American primitive
American Primitive is an acoustic guitar collaboration between Layla Musselwhite and New Orleans guitar virtuoso Jimmy Robinson. (Rolling Stone’s Best of Fest, 2018.) http://jimmyrobinsonmusic.com
The duo have graced numerous festival stages all over the world since their 2023 release, in Europe and South America, from the Legendary Rhythm n Blues Cruise to New Orleans’ own Jazz & Heritage Festival. They have recently released their 2nd collaboration, Live at the Manship Theater, featuring Tom Meron on violin and available for purchase at the greatest record store ever: https://www.louisianamusicfactory.com
A love of original songwriting, open tunings and virtuosic guitar drew Jimmy and Layla together when she moved to New Orleans, and the duo have become known for their spellbinding live performances. Named for American virtuoso John Fahey’s acoustic movement, American Primitive features lush acoustic sounds and captivating lyrics that mine influences from Muddy Waters, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Bonnie Raitt, and of course Layla’s father, blues legend Charlie Musselwhite. The duo’s sophomore album dives even deeper into their roots, showcasing one of Jimmy’s originals as well as a further development of Layla’s gripping, emotionally vulnerable songwriting.
“Phenomenal! I couldn’t stop listening.” - Luther Dickinson, North Mississippi Allstars
“American Primitive refers to the deep vein of gold that connects all forms of roots music, where country + blues + folk + rock n roll come from. Music played by guitar pickers on the back porches of this country, that got amped & turned up & one day became rock n roll.”
- Layla Musselwhite
