Acoustic finger style guitar with... Full band? Horns? 11-minute songs? Don Ross singing? Yes! Earlier this year, fingerstyle guitarist Don Ross released an album with full band, titled "Don Ross Louder Than Usual". And it's really good. I will go …
Album Review: Duo Alterity
Up and coming classical guitar/flute duo, Duo Alterity, released their first album this year - the self-titled Duo Alterity. The album is a warm, organic collection of contemporary compositions. The pieces are performed flawlessly by Allison …
Album Review: “Traction Control” by Vanya Merc
Traction Control Vanya Merc (2019) In contradiction of the contents of this album, I will offer a review that is as pithy as possible: This album is fast. This album is electric. And this album is FUN! In all seriousness, Vanya Merc's new …
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Album Review: PSALM by Dan Arcamone
Dan Arcamone just released his new jazz album, PSALM - a trio collaboration with Panagiotis Andreou on bass, Steve Pruitt on drums, and Arcamone taking care of guitar and compositions. The album is inspired by John Coltrane's iconic four-part …
Album Review: “Folding Space” by Spencer Elliott
Right from the start you have to love the title of the first track... There's Something in the Airlock! For any sci-fi fan, it immediately conjures a sense of urgency, as well as some mood and maybe a scene or two from the Aliens franchise. On …
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Album Review: “Portrait” by Tal Arditi
Tal Arditi will comfort you and challenge you. His use of traditional jazz forms, his inherent groove, and clean guitar playing will keep you nodding along. But his alternate time signatures, extended forms, and tonal choices will keep your brain on …
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Top 6 Fingerstyle Guitar Christmas Albums
The classic melodies of Christmas music are just crying out for some acoustic fingerstyle arrangement. So here are six great albums that hit the spot, from fingerstyle greats like Tommy Emmanuel and Lawrence Juber. The arrangements vary - from …
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Album Review: Classical Guitar In America by Randy Hathaway
In my mind, Randy Hathaway's "Classical Guitar In America" feels like an Opus. With a capitol "O". An artistic work on a large scale. It's serious, it's broad, it meticulous. And it's a joy to know that there are artists conducting work with …
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Album Review: Back & Forth by Antoine Dufour
Why am I reviewing an album from a year ago? Well, because I've been listening to it. And because it's good. And because it's original. And because it's good art. So, a few things worth mentioning: Up front confession: I'm a big fan of Antoine …
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New Album by Ian Ethan Case: “Earth Suite”
I recently ran into this video by Ian Ethan Case and was blown away. His amazing talent is to rock a double-necked acoustic guitar with two-handed tapping, strumming, and harmonics. Believe me, it falls squarely in the "face-melting" category of …
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Album Review: What If? by Luca Stricagnoli
Luca Stricagnoli is a guitar prodigy, standing out even in an era rife with "guitar prodigies". His playing is creative, fun, warm, and precise. His song selections are diverse, combining personal compositions with popular covers. And his style is …
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