Customer Reviews

American Finger Style Guitar

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Guy Van Duser is a musical marvel.... an "eighth wonder" on six strings. A musician can be competent as a "technician" and lack feeling and expression, and, alternatively they can play with limited skill and boundless enthusiasm. Guy combines unmatched technical guitar skill with an equally unmatched artistic flair. I am reminded of the scene in the film "Amadeus" where another musical genius, Mozart, is told by the Emperor Joseph that his latest composition has "too many notes" and some should be removed. Mozart asks "which notes" the Emperor has in mind. Listening to Guy Van Duser would probably fluster a musical midget like the former Emperor - Guy plays notes with bell-like clarity and blistering speed in fabulous and meticulous arrangements that nearly overwhelm the ear. This CD is crammed with examples, but if you want to hook someone on GVD with a single tune - play them the live recording of Guy's arrangement of "Stars and Stripes Forever" - initially you think "cool... listen to that - I never really thought of a Sousa march as a solo guitar piece". Then, you listen a bit longer and you think "wow... listen to that - he got the trombones too".... then a bit longer your jaw drops as you realize he's playing, at the same time, the trombones.... the whole damn orchestra... AND that bouncy piccolo part - all at the same time. Did he suddenly sprout extra hands?! How the devil does he DO that? Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. You and Guy Van Duser's will never be separated for long after that.

I first heard this album years ago on WBAI (Commie, Pinko public radio station in NYC) and it was so exciting that I immediately had to have it. (That was so far back, it was only available on vinyl.) The Western Medley and Stars and Stripes Forever are the top cuts but As Time Goes By is a classic too. If you like solo guitar, this is one album you can put on and listen completely through without having to skip the "bad cuts" - there aren't any here. This is one of my favorite albums and now that I've found it on CD, it can travel with me in the car and make me happy, even in bumper to bumper traffic.

I got this album for "Never Gonna Dance", and because I had once tried to learn a Guy Van Duser arrangement, which put me in my place, guitar-wise. Anyway, there are many ways to praise this album, but I will choose just one - "That Certain Feeling". He takes this from George Gershwin's relentlessly rhythmical rendition of his own tune and manages to transfer it to guitar, keeping the drive and the riffs intact. A great tribute, and a remarkable performance. There aren't many who could play it on piano, much less guitar.

The album was released in 1987, but is really a compendium of material from 3 earlier releases, now apparently unavailable, so this is welcome. There is over an hour of fine guitar, occasional clarinet (also fine), and a lovely session of whistling which makes one wonder why nobody does that kind of thing any more.

Rick Van Duser is an amazing artist on the guitar. This is not your ordinary chord strumming performance. I'm sure Van Duser has had classical guitar training because of his grace with music. Finger Style Guitar playing is based on melody and harmony, and in this case, a sense of humor. His version of Stars and Stripes Forever will engage you in clapping, singing, and smiling. Our first experience with Van Duser on an old tape recording. This appears to have been masterfully re-recorded, and even has a few new pieces. We love it (and keep giving away our copies to guests who agree)!

My only criticism was that the CD's case arrived cracked. Since it didn't affect the quality of the disk, we haven't complained.

Guy successfully transcribed old and familiar music into guitar piece. Will I be able to find tabulature for the whole CDs?