New Orleans is known for good food and great music. Jimmy Robinson is a talented musician doing his part to make sure that acoustic guitar has a prominent place in that musical gumbo. His music is expansive, melodic and full of rich 6- and 12-string harmonies. With a lightning pick and a supple wrist, Jimmy draws fiery melodies and thunderous rhythms from his musical tinderbox. Over half of the tracks on his solo effort, Vibrating Strings, are instrumental. The vocal tracks will be especially pleasing to listeners who enjoy Jackson Browne. Two of the tracks are covers. Jimmy does a great job with Zep’s Kashmir, but the show stopper is The Wind Cries Mary. This is a visionary arrangement of Jimi’s classic done with acoustic guitar and a brass section. Yes, this one sounds like New Orleans: smooth, easy and tasty. Jimmy is also part of the fusion jazz group known as Twangorama. If it turns out that Frank Zappa faked his death and moved to New Orleans to concentrate on guitar based instrumental music, we know what group he is part of. Wonderfully intense, mind stretching music. He's brought us 3 songs to share with you: Big Blue, Brian O'Neal and Hammers.
Alex Bett is a guitar and music technology teacher in Nottinghamshire, England. His latest release Knock on Wood is a nice mix of acoustic guitar based folk, classical and Latin sounds. There is a refreshing thoughtfulness to his melodies. Occasionally, as in 21st Blues, Alex combines his love of technology with contemporary finger style slapping and tapping ala Michael Hedges, Andy McKee and Don Ross. All done quite tastefully with surprisingly pleasantly results. Check out Pergin Bay, Squiggle and 21st Blues. You'll find them on this page.
Part of what makes us human is the ability to recognize and create beauty. Even more amazing is to watch how beauty can emerge from tragedy. The music of Andres Godoy is beautiful. It almost certainly would not have this same sense of joyful beauty had it not been for "the accident". Here is the riddle: how does beauty emerge from ashes and joy from heartache? The thing that could have crushed the artist instead drives him to new levels of creativity and perception. Andres has quite a story. You can visit his website to find out more. In one sense...it has everything to do with his music. In another sense, nothing at all. One might contend that Andres’ music was resident deep in his heart when an unfortunate turn of events nearly sealed it there. Instead of allowing the gift to be buried...he dug deep, turning an underground lake into a bubbling spring. La Rida o el Send, is a wonderful collection of guitar-based songs, some solo guitar, some with vocals and a light sprinkling of additional instrumentation. Our grasp of Spanish is such that we only catch a word or two of the vocal songs, yet the quality of his voice serves to invite, rather than exclude the listener. The quality, production and musicianship of the recording are excellent. There is a fragility and strength that makes this music completely engaging. You'll find three excellent selections from this wonderful composer and guitarist on this page. And when that leaves you hungering for more, check out some of his YouTube videos.
Don Alder would be easy to pick out in a crowd. He would be the fellow with three hands...or at least, that’s what one would expect after listening to his guitar playing. On his Cool Tunes Compilation disc Don gives a tip of the hat to various friends and influences. He has the ability to tap into the essence of his heroes while maintaining his own fingerprint. In his writing (musical as well as liner notes) there is a largeness of heart. This music isn’t about tricks and flash. It’s about processing and communicating life. There is thoughtfulness and joy, as the people and events that have touched Don are transformation into sound. That same sense comes across in his, Take the Train, Eh project (that Canadian sense of humor must be caused by the weather – learn to laugh or go insane!) We didn’t receive and liner notes with this disc but the songs speak for themselves. DRDR (DonRossDonRoss) kicks off this collection with a nod to fingerstyle wiz Don Ross. It shares the same sense of melodic groove that our favorite Ewok is known for. On It’s Only Goodbye, Don exhibits a wonderful sense of lyricism. The melody and bass line twine from the guitar in a way that is almost organic. Don is a great technician with a heart for groove, melody and people. It shines through. You'll find four delightful selections from Don on this page.
Ivan Granata is a musical adventurer. You can hear it. It’s in the tunings and tappings. It’s in the melodies and rhythms. It’s in the playful fretboard finger dance. In the space of one song he can gracefully move back and forth from Celtic reels to classical melodies to contemporary tapping. Hold on to your hat and enjoy the ride! Find his music on this page.
John Morgan is an acoustic guitarist living in central Ohio. Unencumbered by fame or fortune, he is pursuing the musical dream: performing, teaching, writing and recording. His latest CD, Motionography, is about movement: flight, swimming, dancing - places: the moon, oceans, stars; and communication: the non-verbal, solo guitar type of communication. What is the sound of Motionography? What is the sound of one guitar playing, fingers dancing, sounds splashing, sonic canvas, air art, here–gone, wooden heart made flesh, steel strings spring to life? What is the sound of one guitar laughing, of joy bouncing, strengthening, calling, inviting to the dance? What is the sound of one guitar moving, across the star field accompanied by dancers, singers, swimmers, writing rhythm, resonating life? What is the sound of movement, motion, ocean? What is the sounding of one guitar? Motionography. Find his music on this page.
Music is one of the great cross-cultural meeting places. The musical history of the United States is one of styles continually meeting and merging. But what happens when longstanding European traditions collide? What might happen if the classical beauty of Italy encountered the melodic passion of Ireland? It would certainly take a book to document the possibilities. Until that book is written, you can listen to the music of Giacomo Fiore. Born in Genova, Italy, Giacomo discovered the guitar at a young age and was able to study with Armando Corsi, one of Genova's (and Italy's) most talented acoustic guitarists. Along the way he picked up a love and appreciation of Celtic music...and has woven the two together in a very fresh and exciting way. Currently Giacomo is in Nashville, expanding his musical world even further. Give a listen to this gifted young guitarist. Who knows what good things the future will hold for this talented finger-stylist? Find his music on this page.
In the mid-1800’s several of the most notable touring guitarists were Italian. Mauro Giuliani and Matteo Carcassi were highly respected performers and teachers whose contributions to the understanding of the guitar are still having a significant impact on guitarists today. Even better to find that this rich musical heritage is still expanding! Nicola Boschetti is a wonderful Italian fingerstyle player whose melodic lyricism makes nylon strings sparkle. Yes, this site has “solo guitar” as part of its name but it would be better to describe Nicola’s music as solo guitars. The three tracks posted here are duets – both parts played by Nicola. With one guitar he creates an expansive, shimmering, harmonic pallet. With the other he floats and soars. Picture a perfect day on the Mediterranean shore. A light breeze is blowing, gentle waves rolling, sea birds gliding in a cloudless sky. Gracefully they dive into crystal blue water. Nicola Boschetti’s music is the soundtrack.
There’s a bounce and wink in Bill Dutcher’s playing. The bounce is a playful engagement with the listener. Like, hey isn’t that a key change about half way through “Knuckle Buster” but, wait a second...he went down, not up (like most every key change you’ve ever heard). The wink is an unexpected turn of a phrase, an unexpected harmony. It’s the drawing together of influences as divergent as Native American culture and Irish melody, showing how they fit and handing us the results on a silver platter. “Solo Guitar” is full of captivating melodies played with a skillful touch. Great stuff. Take a listen.
One of the alluring elements of solo acoustic guitar playing is the ability to create music that is simultaneously simple and complex. There’s a way of weaving threads of melody with long strands of harmony to produce a delightful musical tapestry; easy on the ears, refreshing to the heart. That’s exactly what Buzz Turner has accomplished on “Finally Home”. These original fingerstyle instrumentals are present-day descendants of ancient Celtic melodies. This wonderful collection speaks - without words - the timeless tale of the traveler’s longing for hearth and home. It’s the simplicity and complexity of life told through six strings.
Kevin Hiatt grew up in Kansas City, attended the Conservatory of Music and later earned a doctorate in Music Composition from the University of Miami. He has written over 80 works of music including chamber music, electronic music and orchestral pieces. In 1996 Hiatt returned to playing steel string guitar. He performs on six, seven and twelve string guitars employing a variety of altered tunings and unconventional techniques. His appreciation of and influence by Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges and Preston Reed are evident on his latest release, Strange Ships on a Blue Horizon. Check out three cuts from that release.
Some people use the guitar as a fragile folk instrument to conjure up pastoral scenes - birds singing, bees buzzing. Patrick Woods raises his guitar like a steel rod in a lightning storm, drawing down bolts out of the creative blue. Playing six and ten string guitars Patrick demonstrates that tapping can be used in a way that is melodic and harmonic as well as rhythmic. Words to describe Power Fields: passionate, dynamic, energetic, pulsating. Check out the groove laid down by this one-man band.
There is something wonderful about a great melody unrushed. It’s the strong sense that every note counts, that every note has something to say. Listening to Doug Young play is hearing the importance of each note - full, rich tones, following and flowing, not crowding or bumping. Listening to Doug is hearing the guitar sing. Not only does Doug have an ear for melody he has an eye for beautiful, well constructed guitars. A brief tour of his website will reward you with a look of some gorgeous instruments. Great melody, great playing, great instruments – an altogether winning combination!
The sound of an acoustic guitar well-played is beautiful... seductively so. Actually the sound can be so enjoyable that at times guitarists may forget about that little detail called melody. Fortunately, Bill Hammond is a melody man. "Speechless" is a thoughtful and lyrical collection that is as much about song as it is sound. Each tune is crafted with something for the heart as well as the ears. Click over to the Music page to hear wordless songs brought to life through wood and steel.
Brian Henke is an impressionistic painter who has chosen sound rather than color to express his heart. The “Nature of Light” is a wonderfully textured collection of solo guitar magic conjuring up sights as well as sounds. This music speaks of big sky vistas, fiery sunsets, water flowing/falling and other grand-scale nature phenomena. But beyond what we see, this is a study of the light that surrounds and illuminates those wonders that surround us. Brian has created a musical prism that splits the white light of day into its multi-colored spectrum. Dare we call this a concept album? Seems a tall order for one guy with a guitar. But the focusing of sound waves to explore light waves seems like a great concept to me. And check out his web site to find out more.
If you are looking for some funky, high-energy acoustic guitar music check out Nathan Montgomery. He made it to the regionals in Guitar Center’s Guitarmegeddon competition. Anytime we see an acoustic guy going toe-to-toe with the heavy metal guys and succeeding, we have to grin. Nathan can more than “hold his own” in any gathering of guitarists. But he isn’t just a hot guitarist. If you want to see something cool and crazy, visit his web site and look at the video page. Check out the “Quarter To”. You’ll see Nathan playing keyboard…and bass. Yes, at the same time. Definitely "cool and crazy!” Oh, and about that guitar playing...cool and funky, a great groove.
There are many wonderful things you can find in Canada like trees and… hmmm, OK, mostly trees. There are many wonderful musicians you can find in Canada. Folks who know what to do with those trees once they are made into guitars. The list includes fingerstyle masters Don Ross, Bruce Cockburn and Bob Evans (the Winfield fingerstyle winner, not the restaurant). Add one more name: Jay Calder. His CD “Breakfast with Barnabas,” is an inspired collection of fingerstyle and melodic prowess. The three songs we’ve posted here are a small sample of the energy and passion that Jay brings to this project. The challenge of instrumental music is to capture something of the world we live in, distill it and present it in a way that others can understand. Jay answers the challenge by expressing truth, beauty, creativity and encouragement – all without saying a word. The listener with an open heart will hear and understand – this is the good stuff. And be sure to check out his web site to find out more about the man, his music and the inspiration behind it.
When you go to John Ford’s website you’ll be treated to some great original folky, bluesy, Americana songs; most with lyrics supported by John’s skillful fingerstyle playing. Fortunately for us he has written and recorded a couple of very tasty instrumental tunes. “New River” flows and sparkles with a musical current that makes you glad to be floating down that stream. “The Inverse Curve” bounces like a box of puppies on fresh country morning. Compared to some of the other folks on this site John describes himself as “more of a primitive player who's been playing long enough to know where to mash my fingers down on the right spots to make the noises I like.” That’s a jolly bit of self-deprecation but indeed he does know where to mash those fingers down and we think you’ll enjoy hearing where they land.
Steve Davison has captured the sound of his music and displayed it for both the eye and the ear. The artwork on the sleeve depicts a long, unbroken shoreline – natural and expansive, like the sound of his guitars. Most of the pictures on his website are bright and sunny like his melodies. Yet, there is a touch of foggy mystery on the site and in the sound that invites us to explore the land “of wood and water”. By the way, Steve has great finger picking technique. He seamlessly blends classical and Travis styles, making the strings - six or twelve of ‘em at a time - dance. These songs without words are “end of the day” observations from a skilled musical story teller. Be sure to visit his web site for more info.
Another recent addition to our site is the music of Peter Janson. Here's what one member our staff said: "The first time I heard Peter Janson’s music was while driving home on a cold, February night. “Dancing Beneath the Stars” was as warm and welcoming as the glow of firelight seen through the front windows of home. With one guitar Peter captures beauty, passion, motion and magic, all dancing together under a star-filled canopy. His flawless technique is used to create lyrical melodies that are completely captivating. A friend once told me, “if a person can write a piece a music that makes someone smile, laugh or cry, that is something of value.” Peter has indeed accomplished something of great value. His music draws from a deep well; fresh water, un-rushed, uncluttered, gently flowing."
Listening to Ken Bonfield play guitar is stepping into a sonic paradise - rich, melodic and masterful. Thoughtful music that exudes peaceful confidence avoids needless flash and embraces the listener. Every note speaks. Add bass or violin and the palette expands seamlessly. This is acoustic music for the spirit. Not surprisingly, Ken is a multifaceted musician: composer, performer and educator. His music has been featured on NPR, PBS, ABC TV, FOX TV and can be heard on radio stations around the world. Ken has recorded two Living Room Concerts for Public Radio International’s Echoes. Stop by his web site and have a look/listen.
Muriel Anderson is recognized internationally as one of the premier guitarists of our day (notice that’s not limited to “one of the premier female guitarists of our day”). Through her constant travels she has proven to be a wonderful ambassador and educator for this instrument we love. Her flawless technique and passion for music have opened hearts and doors around the world. In these cuts we get a sample of her beautiful nylon string technique as well as her ability as an arranger (“Nola”). This music is music that transports.
Listening to Ken Bonfield play guitar is stepping into a sonic paradise - rich, melodic and masterful. Thoughtful music that exudes peaceful confidence avoids needless flash and embraces the listener. Every note speaks. Add bass or violin and the palette expands seamlessly. This is acoustic music for the spirit. Not surprisingly Ken is a multifaceted musician: composer, performer and educator. His music has been featured on NPR, PBS, ABC TV, FOX TV and can be heard on radio stations around the world. Ken has recorded two Living Room Concerts for Public Radio International’s “Echoes”. |
