Inspirational.
William J. Walker | England | 10/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD having found its predecessor("Imaginational Anthem")a superb introduction to the featured artists and as a result made several excellent purchases.
I was a little wary of this at first as it appeared to feature a track I already owned(by Peter Lang)as well as one of the artists from the previous record. Suggesting, perhaps, a good idea that had run out of creative steam.
Well I needn't have worried. The material on this album is as good, if not better, than that found on the first volume. If the previous compilation managed to obtain a near perfect blend of old and new, then this very much favours the new. Pretty much all the music on this record is only available here(the Peter Lang track is a recently recorded, and quite different version of the piece that appears on his classic " The Thing at the Nursery Room Window"). It's nice to hear Jose Gonzalez' wonderful playing 'as a thing on its own' rather than mere accompaniment.
Jack Rose was featured on the previous volume, but the sheer quality of his contribution here, more than justifies his inclusion again.
I was going to try and pick a few more highlights(James Blackshaw, Jesse Sparhawk, Michael Chapman, Sean Smith, Fred Gerlach...) but I realised I appeared to be just naming all the artists on the record.
The music on this disc should appeal to those familiar with the work of John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Robbie Basho and Sandy Bull as well as those with a more general interest in solo guitar.
In conclusion this is an excellent album as a listen in its own right, and as a guide further purchases, it could turn out to be quite expensive in the long run.
"