This is a homage to Django Reinhardt, and the delight begins with a line-drawn and evocative cover on the edition. Inside. the work is dedicated to Chuck Hulihan and the Glendale Ensemble GCC. The music is adventurous, moving from one flat to 5 sharps, no sharps, 3 flats, one sharp and back to one flat. There is a very definite 'bass-line' for Guitar Five, frequently staccato. Over the top are three note chords in a minor 6th giving a distinctly Hot Club feeL The pace is brisk and the music is anything but repetitive, with some gloriously discordant bars - definitely there for a purpose and really effective. Elsewhere the music has a satisfyingly easy feel, even if it's rather quick. Although in five parts, this isn't a cramped soundscape, but that means that Guitar One is often up onto the body. Look out for it - it's a great piece and a confident arrangement.
Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar Magazine)
