TROUBADOUR

Quest for nonsuch

This album features 14 instrumental compositions performed on acoustic guitar, with only some sparse orchestration in the background and occasional flutes. Also some lovely bagpipes in Dublin Day. And as if this was not minimalistic enough, there is also a bonus disc with "acoustic versions" (sic!) featuring the very same acoustic recordings but without the orchestration.

The tempo is often slow and the mood is generally soothing, but it is not a relaxation CD as such. It obviously has nothing whatever to do with progressive Rock, or with Rock of any kind. As such, it is probably of minimal interest for most visitors of this website. Still, it is actually a very pleasant listen with a nice "dreamy" atmosphere. It works well as background music when, for example, reading. I also like the romantic feel of the sleeve painting.

This album may see Gordon receive more publicity than normal as Sir Cliff makes an appearance (although it is difficult to identify his voice, it must be said). Gordon has been performing in Heathcliff for its' duration, and he has adapted a couple of the pieces he co-wrote for that musical for this album.

This is Gordon at his best, normally just accompanying himself with some of the best acoustic guitar that can be currently heard in the UK. I particularly liked "Rainbow Kites" where he has used the simple device of having a 1 second delay on the guitar so that it sounds like two top guitarists playing with each other. Gordon experiments with different techniques and tunings but never moves away from the delicate beauty that is his trademark.

Buy the CD and get another free!! As well as the 'proper' album there is another CD that contains purely acoustic versions of all of the songs. Gordon at his most pure. I have always rated his work but for me this stands alongside 'Elegy' as his best album to date.

Originally appeared in Feedback #66, Feb 02