Carrying on in this pedagogical series of studies for the technically advancing student, we now reach approximately the Grade 5-5+ with an album where the theme is based upon Negro spirituals, gospel music and with a hint of jazz thrown in.
These are all very good arrangements and, notwithstanding the excellent academic qualities involved in the performance of these pieces, are well worthy of playing for their own sakes. The solemnity of such as Steal Away to Jesus and Deep River is captured well here and in What a Friend We Have in Jesus, the happy-clappy atmosphere is admirably created with a claw-hammer, finger-picking accompaniment. The best, and unfortunately the hardest one, comes at the end of the book with a wonderfully bluesy arrangement of It's Me Oh Lord, a splendid conclusion to a most entertaining little collection.
Steve Marsh (Classical Guitar Magazine)
