Fire Records are reissuing the complete works of Rainer Ptacek, the much beloved slide guitarist from Tucson, Arizona, who originated Giant Sand’s sound from the band’s inception, as well as creating many remarkable recordings as a solo artist and with his own band, Das Combo, before succumbing to brain cancer on November 12 1997.

The reissues start with The Inner Flame, a compilation of accomplished and remarkably diverse artists who were brought together to honour Rainer’s inspirational work, featuring talents such as Robert Plant & Jimmy Page, Emmylou Harris, Evan Dando, PJ Harvey, Victoria Williams, Vic Chesnutt, Jonathan Richman, Madeleine Peyroux and of course Giant Sand.

Originally released in 1997, the album was conceived as both a tribute and benefit album, with the proceeds going towards Ptacek’s medical bills. Reissued now as a celebration of his remarkable life and extraordinary talent, extra tracks have been added by the likes of Lucinda Williams, Grandaddy, Chuck Prophet and John Wesley Harding.

Listen to Calexico’s Joey Burns and John Convertino playing with Ptacek on the achingly gorgeous dusty Arizona blues and moan of Be Prepared, as elegant and moving as anything you’ll hear for a long, long time.

Released on June 26th, you can order the album from Fire Records here.

Download Rainer & Calexico – Be Prepared mp3 (from The Inner Flame: A Tribute To Rainer Ptacek)

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