LOST AND FOUND

This Ralph Towner's solo album is recorded as quartet with drummer Jon Christensen, sax player Denney Goodhew and bassist Marc Johnson. Album's opener is usual Ralph just-classic guitar composition, influenced by melancholic Latin folklore.

But from second composition Towner goes deeper in minimalistic improvs, with very elegant help of supporting musicians. He demonstrates his best abilities there - abilities to play melodic improvs, to mix folk and jazz in excellent minimalistic, but attractive and accessible sound."Elan Vital" demonstrates such combination of jazzy rhythms and very folksy winds over the Ralph guitar.

Another Towner's visit card is melancholic, even sentimental compositions. "Summer's End" is the one on this album. Down tempo, with dry acoustic guitar chords and sax on the front of the sound, this melancholic melody will remind you of last warm days of the summer for sure. Towner, even often being sentimental, never cross the border and become pathetic or cheese though. Great talent!

"Col Legno" is Johnson composition, played solely bas double bass. Minimalistic and chamber at the same time. Another Johnson's composition on this album - "Sco Cone" - again played by bass solely, but this time it contains some funky groove.

All 15 album's compositions are beautiful musical paintings more than just songs, with dreamy, melancholic atmosphere and excellent musicianship. As often, it's difficult to classify the music of Towner recordings. Acoustic fusion of folksy jazz, post-bop and improvs? Doesn't matter, every fan of acoustic guitar, intelligent minimalistic sound and melancholic melodies will enjoy this album for sure.