Featured Artist: Ryo Kawasaki

CD Title: Relaxing Guitar Solo

Year: 2002

Record Label: One Voice

Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic

Musicians: Ryo Kawasaki, solo acoustic guitar.

Review: Ryo Kawasaki is one of the new acoustic guitarists to come along and infuse straight-ahead/classic with touches of smooth jazz in a complex, entertaining manner which will appeal to a wide range of jazz listeners. His skills as a guitarist are excellent, and there is a sense of sensitivity and class about his performances that is both exciting and charming.

There are 14 selections on this fine collection of solo jazz guitar music, and it is acoustic guitar at its best. Among the songs are found "Cancion Del Mariachi,," "Sandunguera," "Killing Me Softly With His Song," "Corcovado," Duke Ellington's "Solitude," an original composition from Ryo Kawasaki titled "White Night," Annie Lennox's "There Must Be An Angel," among others, including additional compositions by Kawasaki.

I would recommend this solo guitar CD to those who enjoy jazz that is defined by intricate imagery and harmony, and memorable performances. This is a fine example of how good acoustic jazz guitar can be in the hands of a master guitarist who shares his love of song and instrument with his listening audience.

Ryo Kawasaki is one of the finest acoustic guitarists in jazz. Excellent.

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

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