Customer Reviews

Fingerdance

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I received this as a gift a couple of years ago from friends who know my taste in acoustic music, specifically guitar innovators. I was pleasantly surprised by what I heard and I play this CD often at work in the background.

This recording definitely falls in the tradition of steel string masters like Michael Hedges, William Ackerman, Phil Keaggy (on his acoustic solo recordings) and Leo Kottke (in his less experimental modes).

McLaughlin displays some impressive finger technique, while producing pleasant compositions with enjoyable melodies. There's not a clinker on this album. This is a good one for acoustic guitar fans. Recommended.

Billy McLaughlin is one awesome guitar player. At times it's hard to believe there is only one guitar on the CD. If you like acoustic guitar this album is a must. I'd rank it right up there with Leo Kottke and Doyle Dokes.

As a long time fan and practitioner of fingerstyle guitar, this album amazed me. The incredible "Helm's Place" just knocks my socks off every time I hear it. McLaughlin's emphasis on solo guitar with sparse instrumental accompaniment allows his wizardry to shine. For fans of Leo Kottke, I would strongly recommend this album.

I first heard Billy McLaughlin's music on National Public Radio, and then on the NPR Living Room Concerts compact discs. The recordings on this disc are all at once lively and refreshing, yet also melodic and restoratively soothing. The feeling for me is akin to that first beautiful April day when you can go outside without a jacket and just revel unfettered. You just want to bury your face in the music and laugh and smile and sigh.

I am buying this cd today for the second time because my son, now seven chose this cd when he was two years old as his favorite cd in the house. For the better part of five years he has liked to listen to this each night before bedtime. Our first copy travelled to Grandma's, on vacations, and everywhere with us. ~ It was so loved, and it has gone missing...

Several markedly less satisfying months have passed without it being in our home. My son recently mentioned that he would 'really like' another copy for his birthday. I was proud of my child for making such a superb birthday request. The music is good enough to pay for twice.

Billy McLaughlin has that rare combination of technical ability and musicality. Unlike many instrumental guitar recordings, McLaughlin's pieces hold up well to repeated listening. The pieces go beyond the usual rhythmic intricacies and state memorable melodic lines - something all too rare in this genre of recordings.

Amazing harmonics and fingering,this album floored me the first time I heard it. Not just a demonstration of guitar prowess, every song is good. A must for any listener with good taste, both guitar fans and not.

We heard billy McLaughlin at a Tracy Chapman concert and went away with his CD and not hers. If you've never thought much about guitar music, this is a great start. It has magic that can't be found elsewhere.

A dazzling CD, with just incredible sound produced by Mr. McLaughlin's style and virtuosity. A series of recordings that are virtually impossible to get tired of.

The artist visited our small school in Yuma, Arizona and inspired about 250 students and teachers. The sound he and his acoustic guitar produced in our school cafeteria was phenomenal. His CDs have probably already sold out of the local music store.

Two thumbs up. (I wish I had more thumbs!) As a guitar player I'm amazed at the music this incredible musician is able to produce. If there is a tour schedule, please send it to me.