Ralph Towner - Towner: Music for Solo Guitar (LP)

"Towner: Music for Solo Guitar" is a captivating collection of solo guitar pieces by the renowned Ralph Towner, released under the Brilliant Classics label in 2021. This album showcases Towner's mastery of the classical guitar, offering a serene and introspective journey through his compositions. Recorded in February 2021 at the Woodstock Recording Studio in Piombino, Italy, the album features Towner's intricate and evocative pieces performed on a classical guitar crafted by Alan Stuart Wilcox in 1975.

The album spans 55 minutes and includes 15 tracks, blending Towner's signature jazz fusion style with classical influences. Highlights include "Always by Your Side," "Anniversary Song," and "Hermia's Galliard," a piece originally composed for the group Oregon. The "Maddalena Variations" is another standout, showcasing Towner's compositional prowess with its five distinct movements.

Towner's background in composition at Oregon University and his studies with Czech teacher Karl Scheit in Vienna add depth to his musical approach. This album is a testament to his evolution as an artist, favoring the unadulterated solo classical guitar sound. "Towner: Music for Solo Guitar" is a must-experience for fans of both classical and jazz fusion genres, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.