All by myself…
Intimate musings are presented by Mikkel Ploug in both steel string and nylon acoustic guitar. His touch is delicate and lyrical for these 14 originals, reflective on “Nocturne”, tender for “Daybreak” and gorgeously Iberian on “Robledo” on the nylon strings. Is folk touch takes you to the Cumberland Gap on Mosaic” and an alluring “Rosette”, with none of the songs overstaying their welcome. Pastels in 6 strings.
Hall of Fame soprano saxist Steve Lacy is given a solo tribute by baritone saxist Josh Sinton, interpreting some of Lacy’s compositions through the deeper toned reed instrument. Sinton shows his control of long tones as he puffs out subtones for “Hallmark (to Edward “Sonny” Stitt) and digs deep into the most swinging tune the just under 5 minute “Hocus-Pocus”. He hits the altissimo range as he flutters on “Hustles (to Niccolo Paganini)” and shows a big sound and range for “Hubris (to Babs Gonzalez)”. Anyone got a metronome or a bass?
Greg Diamond plays solo classical guitar for an album of mostly original compositions, playing a Yulong Guo Concert Chamber Guitar. He takes you to the rural foothills of the American South on “Shenandoah” and is fluid for a romantic read of “Scarborough Faire”. His own “Turbine” and “Ascent” have a rich Andalusian feel, while “Citadel is spacious and “Rastros” oozes with restraint. Intimate portraits.