Customer Reviews

Renaissance of the Steel String Guitar

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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This album has not only kept up with the mastery of the guitar that Dan Crary is known for, I think it has surpassed it. This is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard--eclectic, historical, and progressive all at once. The guy is simply one of the best in the world and in this CD he is not only successful in his attempt to revive or have a "Renaissance of the Steel String Guitar," he also provides one of the most interesting inserts about the history of the guitar in America that I've ever come across. Buy this CD, you'll play it over and over again.

Dan Crary has once again surpassed even his own self with this CD, "Renaissance of the Steel String Guitar." It is some of the finest guitar music that I have in my collection, and I have MANY guitar records. I would reccommend it to not only guitar players, but anyone who loves just plain beautiful music.

I bought this Dan Crary CD without hearing any of it based on "Guitar," which is the finest instrumental bluegrass CD I've heard (thanks not only to Dan Crary's playing but the all-star cast: Mark O'Connor, Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, et. al.). "Renaissance," completely instrumental also, has no bluegrass, although there's one tune ("Hot Pursuit") that's kind of a like a a bluegrass tune turned on its head. There's a lot of Spanish-inspired work here, plus some blues, swing, and takes on classical themes. Irish tunes also work their way into the lineup. Melodies, harmonies, and interplay between Dan's guitar and other supporting instrumentalists (on violin, mandolin, piano, harmonica, etc.) are strong throughout. Dan's flat-picking is inspired. Most tunes are Dan Crary compositions. I have to force myself not to listen too much to this CD.