Self-Portrait: Spencer Cullum

Artwork by Mickey Miles

For our Self-Portrait series, we invite our favorite musicians to create an audio depiction of themselves through songs from the past and present.

Now two volumes deep into his Coin Collection solo-ish endeavor, Spencer Cullum has repositioned himself from an elite pedal steeling serviceman to the innermost spirit guide of the music. With a globe-spanning supporting cast, Cullum renders a sound that’s a breathtaking mix of luxuriant folk and bucolic jazz that unites his dual Essex and Nashville roots. The maestro lends us a Self-Portrait mix of important elements that helped form his last two records.

Experience the magic live in person this weekend when Spencer Cullum and his colleague Rich Ruth combine forces for a special live set at Flagstaff Fadeaway. Tix still available.

“This mix is a combination of dear friends and loved ones recommendations. From dungeon synth enthusiast Hollow Hand recs such as Hole dweller, Billy Campbell from Names records clearly bewildered that Spirit of Eden wasn’t on my radar (I’ve been missing out) to my partners fav XTC album Mummer that is always spinning here in Nashville.”