Customer Reviews

Guitar Fingerstyle 2

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

 

 

What a relief from the monotonous drum-machine radio snore!

I had been searching for something to jolt me back into my creative self, to reawaken my zest for life: Lucky for me, this album is ALIVE.

Upon first listening to this compilation of acoustic guitar music performed by various artists, I was immediately awed by the stark, yet lush tonal quality that a single musician could summon from a mere six strings. Song after song, I could hear all the subtle nuances of fingers sliding across fret boards, sense the musicians' feelings - things I haven't been getting from "pop rock central" FM quite so much.

But I haven't even mentioned the songs! I don't own the album (yet), but had the privilege of hearing it recently. There are easily 12-15 tunes, all performed by solo or perhaps duo guitarists, with styles ranging from classic-like ballads to blues and some with an edgier jazz or Spanish flavor. This CD is neat because it doesn't try to run the whole gamut of guitar effects, and never strays much from an easier-listening tone.

I found myself relaxed by the beautiful sound while also analyzing the complex tonal passages. This is not simple chord strumming; how the artists manage to weave bass, chord and melody lines so smoothly I may never know.

What I do know is that this album has soul worthy of a permanent collection. I can imagine this CD nestled among the likes of Sarah Brightman (Time to Say Goodbye), Enya, and Sarah McLachlan (Surfacing), or jazz like my Yellowjackets CD circa 1993. Doesn't SOUND so much like any of these, but provides the same solid musicianship, and would certainly keep me revved behind the wheel of my car or computer at work.

Although a little different, this edition of Guitar Fingerstyle is just as good as its predecessor. From blistering jazz arpeggios to haunting neoclassic melodies to good ole down-home pickin' and grinnin' (and everything in between) this album has it all! The first time I tracked through it, I remarked that it had more of a "background music" feel than the first. But whether you sit and savor every note or whether you have it playing in the background while you go about your daily chores, this album will not disappoint. All of the artists are true virtuosoes, and the album is chock full of excellent compositions. This album would be a delight to anyone who enjoys gooood guitar music. Three of my favorite tracks are #7, #9 and #15.

I absolutely love this cd. Both it and the first volume are wonderful items to add to any collection. Great mix up of different 'moods'. The first one is a bit more mellow, but both are great to listen to, and the skill and talent involved on the songs are amazing. It is truly hard to find a compilation like this. It has taken me around 2-3 years. So if you're even halfway interested, you should buy it.

This is a good standard issue fingerstyle cd. While it won't blow you away, it makes for some good background stuff. Check out Master of Acoustic Guitar and Acoustic Heart for great guitar work.