This very fine early career compilation skims the cream from instrumentalist Carl Weingarten's first seven albums (one unreleased track, the moody, spacious "Holographic Blues," is also included). Weingarten is an appealing, accessible experimentalist, and a guitarist of considerable skill (his fortes include the slide guitar, the Dobro, and the use of effects). His music is rooted in folk and country, but is not bound be these categories; as it draws on jazz, psychedelia, world music, and ambient conceptions as well. 

HAND IN THE SAND covers a twelve-year span--1990-2004--yet remains remarkably cohesive in its vision. The influence of progressive guitarists like John Fahey (especially on Weingarten's acoustic work) and Bill Frisell (on his effects-drenched electric work) is clear, yet Weingarten's approach is singular. Never technically flashy, Weingarten has developed his own style that relies as much on a unique approach to phrasing and tonal atmosphere as it does on mechanical skill. Moreover, Weingarten is usually joined by musicians on percussion, synthesizer, and bass, and these collaborations yield a compelling, individual, and often quite beautiful music." --MUZE.com
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"I can't say enough about this album. It does more than confirm Weingarten's reputation as a terrific slide player. It showcases some of his best compositions from the past 15 years; many are absolutely stunning. By placing them in a new context, it emphasizes how much each has to say. 

Some of the tracks--especially those from "Redwood Melodies"--are pretty and have engaging hooks. But Weingarten's greatest tunes (in my humble opinion) seem like expressions of important life moments or conversations. The perceptive observations of the compositions are borne out by his touch--alternately tender and searing--on dobro and slide guitar. They are eloquent moods that draw you in with tasty leads and ornamentations; it's all timed so perfectly, yet it doesn't sound like anyone else's music. (Ry Cooder's film music is the probably the closest thing.) 

I keep playing this album. Everyone who I play it for likes it."
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. . . Weingarten manages to combine these varied influences into a conceptual whole that is linked by a rich melodicism that pervades every track, and a concise playing style that is clearly heavy on substance while not forgoing style. Included in the collection are the previously-unissued “Holograph Blues,” as well as two tracks from his forthcoming release, Local Journeys, due out in the spring of '05. Hand in the Sand serves as a captivating introduction to an artist who, with an economical and almost ecumenical approach, has been creating compelling work for over a decade and is certainly deserving of a wider following.
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