Ed Askew's Beguiling Psych-Folk Honored Posthumously

The beguiling psych-folk sound of late cult songwriter Ed Askew is being honored with the posthumous release of his album, 'The Final Painting,' this month. Askew, who passed away a year ago at the age of 84, released approximately 50 records throughout his career, crafting songs that explored themes of gay love and folk music from its fringes. His singular brilliance has inspired a dedicated fanbase, including notable musicians like Bill Callahan.

A grainy 1986 television performance, uploaded to YouTube in 2010, showcases Askew's distinctive style, featuring him playing a lute-like instrument with a harmonica positioned under his chin. The accompanying comments on the video, such as "Ed the Great!" and "pure gold," reflect the deep admiration he garnered. Askew's musical journey began in the 1950s when he discovered the 10-stringed tiple as a teenager, a passion that continued until his death.

Collaborator Jerry David DeCicca described Askew as "living in a world that was for people who didn’t fit in," highlighting the artist's free-spirited nature. Askew's work is characterized by its poetic lyrics and effortless folk melodies, positioning him as an under-the-radar US poet, artist, and musician whose influence continues to resonate with fans and fellow artists.