Search - Sharon Isbin :: Journey to the New World

A Journey of Infinite Artistry

guitar guru | Suburb in MA United States | 04/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Have no doubt, this CD confirms that Sharon Isbin is a most generous, brilliant artist with a gift to touch the soul. Her latest (2009) CD brings an entirely new dimension of lyrical virtuosity to light. From the remarkable tonal color palette expressed masterfully in the opening 16th century flavored works, to the haunting "Andecy" which evokes a sensuality and beauty beyond words... Like a mysterious stranger who beckons... A brand new recording of "Wayfaring Stranger" begins with Isbin's intro, a cascade of notes sounding like a auditory magical spring rain, leading to Joan Baez's unearthly vocals. This poetic collaboration is absolutely heavenly. The Baez Suite that follows is enthralling. The concluding Mark O'Connor Strings and Threads Suite shows how truly alive and modern the classical guitar can be when its voice sings under Isbin's fingers. This is a CD that is a must in your collection and active on your MP3 player/iPod! There is very smooth sailing and something special at every stop along the way on this "Journey to the New World". Her best work to date..."

Not Your Grandmother's Chamber Music

A Kleinhammer Student | 05/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a review by John Hodges from the Juilliard Journal Online.



Joan Baez was one of guitarist Sharon Isbin's childhood heroes, so perhaps it was inevitable that they would eventually collaborate, and the joyous results are at the heart of a new Sony CD, Journey to the New World. Baez adds haunting vocals on "Wayfaring Stranger," which, thanks to arranger Carlos Barbosa-Lima, deftly steers away from treacle. She returns later in breathy, beautiful form for Isbin's transcription of John Jacob Niles's "Go 'Way From My Window." Both make fine bookends to the Joan Baez Suite (2002) by John Duarte, who died in 2004. It's a shame he didn't live to hear this recording. Using roughly 12 of Baez's songs, Duarte crafted a moody yet mellow tribute that shows off Isbin's expertise. A high point comes in the bittersweet "Where Have All the Flowers Gone": some arresting chord changes herald the traditional "Taps."



Isbin, who founded and chairs Juilliard's guitar department, begins the CD with four Renaissance duets, originally for lute and arranged for her playing both parts. Most impressive is the melodic invention of John Johnson's "Greensleeves," and I was struck by the haunting, anonymously attributed begins the CD with four Renaissance duets, originally for lute and arranged for her playing both parts. Most impressive is the melodic invention of John Johnson's "Greensleeves," and I was struck by the haunting, anonymously attributed "Le Rossignol." The generous disc also includes Andrew York's brief Andecy, a popular valentine to folk music of the British Isles.



The program ends with Mark O'Connor's Strings & Threads Suite, originally for violin solo, but here arranged for guitar and violin (the latter raptly played by O'Connor). Sections such as "Road to Appalachia" and "Texas Dance Hall Blues" are typical of its homey, exuberant channeling of folk tunes from Ireland and the United States. Throughout the program, Isbin's warmth, vitality, and casual virtuosity infuse each track. Those who know Isbin only from her Bach, Rodrigo, or Villa-Lobos may be surprised by her naturalness in this repertoire. The recording engineers, Tim Martyn and Dann Michael Thompson, capture every pluck in vivid detail."

Brilliant, eclectic, and moving

M. D. HEALY | 06/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Superb musicianship, and a musical journey from Elizabethan England to 20-century America. The "Joan Baez Suite" was inspired by songs that had been made famous by Joan Baez, who was one of Isbin's musical heroes. When Baez heard the suite she offered to sing two tracks on the album, accompanied by Isbin's playing. There is also a wonderful collaboration with Mark O'Connor.



National Public Radio broadcast an interview with Isbin a couple of days ago, which can be found on their website. This interview stimulated me to buy the album.

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