A Virtuoso Talent Merges Classical and Contemporary
08/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The considerable gifts of John Lehmann-Haupt are showcased to marvelous effect on "Songs for the Guitar," a beautifully recorded CD that's both calming and enlivening. What's more, it's filled with selections that showcase the artist's unwaveringly good taste: With talent, intelligence, and insight to spare--and not a shred of kitsch, condescension, archness, or coyness--Lehmann-Haupt crosses seamlessly from classical to contemporary. Haydn gets lush, majestic treatment, Monk gets a soulful take, and traditional American folk tunes are played wistfully, thoughtfully, and liltingly. If you're looking for a gift for the listener you think has everything (or for a curmudgeonly friend who's just plain hard to shop for), I defy you to find a better choice. "Songs of the Guitar" has something for everyone, and you'll find yourself hearing old favorites in a new way. And after all, isn't that what art is all about?"