Product Description Grammy Winning guitarist Ed Gerhard's first recording for Solid Air Records is the blues inspired SUNNYLAND, which features Gerhard's famous finger style playing as well as some amazing slide guitar and ensemble work. Review "Emotion and Expression, Gerhard's ability to execute is always at the service of the myriad moods of the blues." --Dan Forte (Vintage Guitar Magazine)Through crisp, virtuosic fingerstyle guitar playing laced with feelings mainly centered on quiet jubilation, soloist Gerhard takes listeners to a special place in this collection of original blues and traditional gospel. The Grammy winner dedicates "Avalon Train" to Mississippi John Hurt and "Either Way She Walks" to Tampa Red, but he's telling only his own lively stories on strings. Throughout the 14 -song program, he receives high marks in tonal control, clarity, choice of tempo and creative use of open tuning. --DOWNBEAT MagazineGuitar Wizard Ed Gerhard turns his attention to the blues on Sunnyland, a fine collection of instrumentals with the warm , relaxed feel of a late summer evening. Gerhard coaxes a mellow tone from his instruments (mainly Martins), fingerpicking and sliding his way through a few spirituals, including "Amazing Grace" and "Just a closer walk with Thee", and a raft of his own compositions. Fans of acoustic music will appreciate these subtly masterful , heartfelt performances. --Blues Revue Aug/Sept '07 P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); About the Artist Known the world over for his stunningly beautiful original compositions and arrangments of popular tunes for solo instrumental acoustic guitar Ed Gerhard won a GRAMMY for his contribution (MOON RIVER) on the "Henry Mancini: Pink Guitar" cd. See more
L**Y
Disappointing
He is a wonderful guitarist. I have his other CDS. Counting the Ways is one of my all time favorites. This one just doesn’t measure up. If you love his music like I do you should get this. Otherwise probably not.
D**N
Master Guitarist
I've been listening to Edward Gerhard for nearly 20 years. He is not in the mainstream of music and never will be. That's not because he lacks talent. He has talent in spades, both in working the instruments he plays and in constructing wonderful, intricate arrangements of the songs. He is truly a master of the instrument , musical arrangement, and composition.The recording features a couple of his styles. The first is the masterful arrangement using broad arpeggios to support a moving melody line. The guitar is one of those instruments that does this very well. The support for these arrangements is sometimes a second guitar, or the lead lines played on slide (perhaps a lap steel) supported by an acoustic guitar. The second group of songs comprising a single instrument with the rhythm and support from an alternating bass line with melody and harmony above it.The mood of the songs ranges from reverent, almost worshipful (Amazing Grace and Just a Closer Walk with Thee) to a bit on the bluesy/rowdy side (Little Road and Sunnyland). It's a good mix of songs and each of them is rendered precisely and cleanly. Gerhard is one of the cleanest players I listen to. You'll rarely hear any guitar noise (squeaks and clunks) unless they are intentional.I've only had the recording for 24 hours and can already tell this is going to be one of my favorite recordings. If you haven't heard it (yet) and appreciate acoustic guitar music, then listen to the samples (they don't do the recording justice) and then purchase your copy. You will not be sorry.
J**G
A must have!
Whole CD is wonderful! No " kind 'o good " tracks!!
K**N
Never to late to be incredibly impressed
Been playing guitar and listening to guitar music for over 50 years. Where the hell has this guy been all this time?! (Duh, I just obviously don't get around much). What a fabulous album; virtuoso guitar playing, great mix of tunes...ah, forget it. Buy this CD, you won't be disappointed.
T**N
Clean
Have Ed Gerhard 's Christmas album. Have been searching for him since. Good sound--no frills. This is a happy album.
A**R
How does one rate perfection?
I wrote and rewrote this review a bunch of times and just gave up. Everything I said just sounded trite and juvenile. Listen to his samples, buy the CD, go to his website, and if you are very lucky, hear him in concert. He is a gem!
A**R
Five Stars
EXCELLENT LBUM!
L**Y
stunning
Ed Gerhard is definitely one of the most gifted guitarist out there. Not only for his technical capability, but what distinguishes him from all other virtuosos is his versatility and magical touch. His playing and interpretations are most eloquent that he is in a league of his own. It's a must buy for both guitarists and non guitarists!
K**R
recommended
Excellent bluesy instrumentals
