John Renbourn: Earle of Salisbury
This is neat. Takes me back….
Big thanks to Stefan Grossman for making possible this visit with John Renbourn. Grossman is putting a ton of great stuff on YouTube here.
Classical Guitar, Gut Strings, and a Tornavoz
According to luthier Michael Thames, this is the beautiful sound that Tarrega would have heard. The player is Gary Stewart, the composer is Isaac Albeniz, the piece is Cuba, the arranger is Stanley Yates, the guitar maker is Micheal Thames. The guitar is Thames’s “Torres style.”
Dream a Little Dream
Stephanie Jackson again with another fine arrangement!
Stephanie Jackson
We could use a few more pieces and players like this. If only I were king….
Edit, Jan 8: I’ve listened to this many times since I posted it a few days ago and it doesn’t get old. This could be a hit. I think Stephanie should try to get Sungha Jung to cover it! This piece could go a long way.
Roberto Aussel
What a great sound and style. Is there anyone since Bream who brings this much to the guitar?
Deck the Halls for Classical Guitar
Only 35 practicing days ’til Christmas!
Here’s Kevin Gallagher:
Julian Bream’s Personal Art Collection
From the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama:
Julian Bream, the world revered classical guitarist, has donated his personal art collection to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. This extraordinary glimpse into the private thoughts and life of such a celebrated musician can be viewed at the Weston Gallery at RWCMD.
The collection comprises works personal to the musician such as a portrait of Bream by Derek Hill and one of his favourite dog, Casper by Jill Tweed. A number of paintings are by some of the most prolific Scottish artists of the 19th and 20th Centuries such as William McTaggart and David Gauld. Other featured artists include Sydney Nolan, Walter Richard Sickert, Elizabeth Frink and Bream’s own brother, Anthony Bream. The paintings are predominantly landscapes from the beginning of the impressionistic period, and portray a serenity typical of this style.
The Exhibition Launch on 6th March 2009 was well attended by friends and supporters. Hilary Boulding, Principal of RWCMD, welcomed the guests, “It has completely transformed one of our many recital rooms… It is wonderful, an extraordinary and generous gift.” Her words echoed everyone’s thoughts, particularly those who had admired the great guitarist for years. “Julian Bream is perhaps the most celebrated guitarist alive. He is a living legend… It is a superb gesture. We are truly honoured.” said John Mills, Head of Guitar Studies at RWCMD. Julian Bream seemed very happy and addressed the audience, “They do look pretty good if you don’t mind me saying… They are good friends, these paintings. I’m glad they’re here and I’m terribly moved.”
You can read the rest here.
Edirol R-09HR and the Classical Guitar
I just bought an Edirol R-09HR, based on a review by one of my favorite guitarists, Kevin Gallagher.
I’ve been playing with the Edirol a few days and I certainly like it as a “field recorder” (I’m going to take it to a live music venue later this week and see how it goes) and also as a “sketchbook” recorder to have nearby whenever and wherever I am playing guitar. Whether it will work out as the recorder of choice for my “official” recordings remains to be seen, but some of the glowing reviews I’ve been reading suggest that it’s not out of the question.
Here’s what Kevin can do with the Edirol R-09HR:
More Jose Romanillos
A great piece of film on the luthier Jose Romanillos.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Jose Romanillos on Torres Guitars: How Did They Sound?
Jose Romanillos says the sound of the old Torres guitars today doesn’t approach what people heard 150 years ago.