Friday, April 19, 2013

Eric Hofbauer, American Grace, Solo Guitar

Guitarist Eric Hofbauer has done some interesting work in the past for sure but his American Grace (Creative Nation 022) solo acoustic set gets things really moving. There are very cool versions of classic music like the Beatles' "Dear Prudence," the standard "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry," and Louis Armstrong's "West End Blues" (complete with a version of the famous trumpet break from the first recording). Then there are original compositions-improvisations, too, well worth your ear-time.

What is striking, memorable, and sets this music apart is the originality and artistry of Eric the guitarist. There is some finger picking, some line weaving, chordal comps and a sound (must be an unamplified archtop semi-hollow) nicely percussive and punctuated.

It's a bit of a tour de force in plectorial artistry. You need to hear it. Eric Hofbauer has it all going on here.

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