Customer Reviews

Southern Exposure (Solo Guitar)

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

 

 

This record is a delight from start to finish. Needless to say, the performances are exemplary; Alex De Grassi has a wonderful technique. But what makes this record particularly valuable is its overall compositional strength. The music presented here is purposeful, intriguingly structured and absolutely entrancing. There is a stillness and purity at its core. The listener is drawn in almost hypnotically. Each piece seems to follow on naturally from the one before , and the overall impact is strangely cleansing and therapeutic. I hesitate to highlight particular tracks, but I find EMPTY ROOM a shatteringly beautiful experience. Just listen! This is a special record, a lovely work of art, a slice of perfection.

a. de grassi is such an amazing player, that when you hear his

solo recordings,...you stop hearing and start listening!

you cant lose with this CD, its a classic and recognized in the industry.

Play this CD at about 7:00 am with a fresh cup of coffee...you know what im talking about.

modern guitar impressionist,,,,

The earliest albums recorded by De Grassi are impressionistic in their compositional structure. This not only makes for some the worlds greatest finger-style guitar playing ever, but its a time in De Grassi's career that was fresh and inspired.

This album is absolutely beautiful and, its the best choice to own his earlier compositional approach....Its in my top 5. Prior to this recording was "Slow Circle" considered a masterpiece and in the same spirit. Either recording will NOT disapoint.

I also highly reccomend the WindHam Hill "Retropective" that does a great job of capturing this period of his career. His more recent effort, "The Water Garden" captures the "writing process" he used on his earlier recordings, such as "Southern Exposure".

Anyone of these albums will make you VERY happy and are all the most beautiful guitar music I have ever heard....

One of the main challenges of the solo acoustic guitarist is to sound fresh, full, and not leave the listener wanting for variety, while still maintaining some kind of identity.

This is such an album, and it rewards any kind of attention: you can listen for advanced fingerpicking, for melodic musicality, or let it be mere background, and you will not be disappointed. You may listen attentively, or hardly at all; you may enjoy it on first impression or on the hundredth. You could listen to it every day and still not be tired of it: styles change from song to song, from the exhilarating arpeggios of "Overland" to the haunting quiet of "Empty Room", from the fullness of "Cumulus" to the wistful poignancy of the title track.

Sometimes a reviewer may say they wish they could rate something six stars; I prefer to reserve five for those items which truly, unquestionably rate the highest. As a rule, I distrust all five-star reviews as prejudiced. But in my opinion as a long-time music listener & guitarist, the exquisitely recorded & performed SOUTHERN EXPOSURE rates nothing less.

Alex has such a wonderful technique. His music hits the core of peace and beauty, highlighting the wonderful sound that the guitar is capable of. AG weaves some mightly powerful magic. I highly recommend this treasure!