Solo Videos

Last Updated on Friday, 13 May 2011 16:55 Friday, 13 May 2011 15:27

Except for a performance at the Fretless Guitar Festival in New York in 2008, I haven't done a lot of solo concert work since about 2002. I did quite a bit of it in the late 90s - 2002 and am interested in revitalizing that aspect of my work.

I'm still inspired to do a solo piece now and then, and often just set up the cam and go. The solo pieces are well received on You Tube, so I thought I'd share them here:

Inshallah (God Willing)

A guitar solo fusion instrumental offered in support and solidarity to those who have sacrificed time and blood in the Middle East (Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya ) and across the globe seeking more democratic governments.

Came up with a rather reflective ambient textural pattern a couple of weeks ago, then was inspired to lay something on top. A little long, perhaps, but as an overall arc, it builds nicely I think.

I often say, "Carry Joy - Build Hope - Offer Love" : I think this piece is about the last two.  God willing, may real compassion, empathy and civility prevail on this planet. This is offered up simply for that. Also see the related piece, "Rising."

This guitar was built by Rick Canton, who now is building for Allan Holdsworth. It originally had its genesis has a fretless version, seen in the NYC video, but it's happier being fretted.

Slow Oud Piece (Thread Of Her Heart, solo version)

A piece Jefferson and I were developing for the Duo with the oud, with a solo test version here. A slow, wistful melody,later titled "Thread of Her Heart."

For Tagore (NYC Version)

The second of two pieces from a solo performance at the NYC fretless guitar festival, 9/22/2008. This one is inspired by and dedicated to the spirit of Rabindranath Tagore. An extended version was taped at Rick Canton's Santa Fe home.

Anondoloke

Continuing in the Tagore vein, whose work is very inspiring for me, is this version of a Tagore song on a scalloped guitar. It's been very popular on Youtube since its posting.

Improvisation for Iran

A solo oud improvisation recorded in Jan 2010, dedicated to the struggle for truth and freedom in Iran. Split over two clips.

The River Burns, Embraced By Night

The main piece from the NYC fretless fest performance, and probably closest in approach to how I set up the structures for the extended solo pieces of the 90s.