Solitary Tales

Anyone who has witnessed a performance by master guitarist John Stowell, knows that he is far from your everyday guitarist. From the nearly vertical position of the guitar (not unlike the position of a cello) to the artist's expression and his closed eyes, Stowell is nearly one with the guitar. On this solo expedition, he plays both acoustic and electric guitars in the Portland, Oregon living room of his luthier, Mike Doolin. Stowell plays five new originals here, but also explores music by as eclectic a group as Ornette Colman, Steve Swallow, Bill Evans and even Cole Porter. One can only wonder what the derivation might be of titles like "Fun With Fruit" or "Laughing River," for we are given no clue in the notes. Stowell's concept is truly unique, earning him praise from such guitarists as Larry Coryell, who said "John is a master creator." If you're ready to step out, even a little, from the ordinary, check out Stowell's passionate creativity.