After the elegant collection of instrumental songs “Instrumental Music 1”, the frontman of the North Sea Orchestra, as well as author under the name of Arch Garrison, empties the drawer of memories with 42 short pieces for acoustic guitar.
“Bespoke Guitar Pieces” is the most delicate project of the English musician's discography, short sketch guitar playing that rarely exceeds one minute, expressions of technical expertise but also of excellent harmonic qualities.
Folk (“For Isaac Gardner”, “For David Ballam Jones”), medieval music (“For Jeremy”, “For Ott”, “For Tim R”, “For Paul A Murphy”), fine fingerpicking (“For Robert H”, “For Max”, “For Nick”), Canterbury (“For Polly”, “For Matthew P”), progressive (“For Robert”) and classical (“For Sharon”, “For Maggie”) take turns in never cloying compositions.
Among the most convincing pages, “For Ruth”, “For The Twins”, “For Nick G”, “For Kettle”, “For Nick L”, “For Simon”, “For Michelle And Her Cupboard Full Of Coats” should be highlighted “, in addition to the only composition that exceeds two minutes (the remarkable “Vishnu Passacaglia For Gracie”), songs that highlight the sometimes simple and direct, sometimes more cultured traits of an instrumental, elegant and inspired project.
“Bespoke Guitar Pieces” is an album of which perhaps you will not read other criticisms or comments, it doesn't matter: those who have time and curiosity to spend will carefully embrace this latest, interesting chapter by the English musician, while waiting to listen to the announced new album of the North Sea Orchestra.
05/08/2024
Antonio Santini for SANREMO.FM