The works in this section have been selected by me at my own discretion and prejudice! Why is that masterpiece missing? or "Why is this album included? I'm sure there are many opinions such as "Why isn't that masterpiece on here? We hope that you will enjoy this site as much as we do, and that you will enjoy our works as much as we do! We will continue to add new works to the site on an irregular basis! If you have any opinions or wishes, please feel free to contact us.If you have any comments or requests, please feel free to contact us.If you have any comments or requests, please feel free to contact us.
A collection of demo recordings made between July and December 1971. Released in 1992. Tom Waits was a doorman at an L.A. club called "Heritage," and wrote songs based on the conversations he overheard without being aware of it, and began singing at the popular L.A. club "Troubadour" (where a drunken John Lennon was thrown out five years later) in '69. Herb Cohen, Frank Zappa's manager at the time, saw this and showed interest in Tom, giving him a room at the Tropicana Hotel and funding the production of a demo tape. This album is a collection of Tom's young playing recorded at that time, before his debut. The performance is rough but energetic, and is narrated by Tom. The acoustic guitar performance of "All '55," a classic song covered by the Eagles, is a particularly moving performance.
A rare six-song demo that led to Norah Jones' signing with Blue Note, recorded at Sorcerer Sound in New York City on October 8-9, 2000, and released exclusively on Blue Note in 2001 after signing with the label. The six songs are "Don't Know Why," "Come Away With Me," "Something Is Calling You," "Turn Me On," "Lone Star," and "Peace." The four songs on the official debut album have almost identical arrangements, but there are subtle differences in Nora's singing style. Interesting. The interplay between Jesse Harris's acoustic guitar and Nora's lush piano on the classic "Don't Know Why" is always a thrill to listen to. Jesse's number "Something is Calling You" is included as a live version on the DVD "Live in New Orleans" ('03). The cover of Horace Silver's famous ballad "Peace" was included on the single "Don't Know Why" and on the deluxe edition of the debut album.
Released in 2005, this is Sheryl Crow's 5th album. Sheryl Crow's sound evokes the vastness of America, and the dry sound of a vintage Gibson flat-top suits her well. She also uses the J-200 shown on the cover of "Kamon Kamon" released in 2002, but she seems to have a special attachment to her favorite vintage Country Western. The dead, yet rich and voluminous tone of this instrument appears in many of Cheryl's works, and it helps to bring out the best in her songs. In particular, the acoustic mood of this artistic album is full of the Gibson sound, which makes her naïve side even more appealing.
Once on a Street Corner in Dublin is an Irish film released in 2007. Set in Dublin, it is a love story about a street musician man (Glen Hansard) and a Czech immigrant woman (Markéta Irglová) who connect through music. Through word of mouth, the number of theaters increased from a limited 2 to 140, and the soundtrack became a smash hit, reaching #2 on the U.S. charts. The touching acoustic ballad "Foreign Slowly" won the 80th Academy Award for Best Song. The cheap but dead tone produced by a Takamine electric acoustic guitar with a hole in the top (faceplate) due to overplaying is very attractive and has a Gibson-like quality. Glenn and Marqueta performed together in this movie as "The Swell Season" and visited Japan in January and May 2009.
Priscilla Ahn is an up-and-coming female singer/songwriter who made her debut with a full-length album on the prestigious Blue Note label, which has produced Norah Jones, in 2008. Her clear pure voice, acoustic and simple sound, and simple but highly accomplished songwriting skills have made her popular among S.S.W. and jazz listeners. The lyrical and dramatic "Lost" and the gentle and comforting "Rain" are outstanding. Incidentally, on "Dream" (live version), which is included on the Japan-only EP "In A Tree" released in 2009, the band recorded their own vocals with a foot pedal and played them back on a loop, harmonizing them beautifully and giving the audience a sense of presence as if there were a backing chorus. The performance is so outstanding that you can almost hear the background chorus.
This is the debut album released in 2001 by Michelle Branch, a female singer/songwriter who made her worldwide debut at the age of 18. Many of you may know her from her recent promotional visit to Japan, where she was exposed in various media. She was greatly influenced by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and other British rock artists from the mid-60s to the 70s. Although her music has a sparkling mood of American rock, there are some shady elements in her songs that show her respect for British classic rock. It is really cool to see her playing the cutaways of the current TAYLOR!
Debut album released in 2001 by a female singer/songwriter who also works as a model. With a laid-back sound image that strongly evokes 60's folk and psychedelic rock, it is no wonder that she calls her sound "pure psychedelic country pop". The album is full of a nostalgic atmosphere, similar to the way people today are attracted to retro forms of music! The metallic sound of the acoustic guitar is pleasantly echoing in the mellow sound.
Live album from an acoustic show in 2001. Paul Weller, who has worked with Jam, Style Council, and other groups, is a great vocalist, and his persuasive and matured vocals are overwhelming. The way he continues to play mindlessly, even if his tuning is a little off, is admirable. This is a masterpiece that makes you feel the pride of a true rock artist! Many of the great songs of the past are brought back to life today. The 70's GIBSON J-45 sounds great!
This is a live album recorded at the courtyard of Sting's house in Tuscany, Italy on September 11, 2001. The show was held on the very day of the September 11 terrorist attacks that shook the world, and the tension on stage was unparalleled. The audience was especially moved by the emotionally charged "Fragile" (usually an encore number), which is sung at the opening of the show in remembrance of the victims. The sweet sound of the solid type of electric gut (apparently not GIBSON CHET ATKINS anymore) is sad and beautiful, as if it expresses the fragile human emotions as the song title suggests.
The latest work by former 10,000 Maniacs singer Natalie Merchant. Released in 2002. Her soulful singing shines even more brightly than before, and she has a wonderful, divine luster. While the first half of the album is filled with over-the-top theatrical numbers, the second half of the album is filled with pop sensibilities, giving the listener a glimpse of her cute side. As in the past, this album is a must-listen for acoustic guitar fans, as it contains plenty of acoustic moods as well!
Composer, guitarist, pianist, and singer Antonio Carlos Jobim produced this album in 1967, his first for A&M / CTI. For music fans who are not familiar with Bossa Nova, "Daughter of Ipanema" released during his "Verve" days may be considered his masterpiece, but for the original Bossa Nova fans, this album is nothing short of a milestone. Although there is no flashy improvisation on the gut guitar, this album is full of material that any avid acoustic guitar player would want to experience at least once, such as the strange chord progressions, beautiful harmonies, and rhythm cutting that is executed with ease!
Fairport Convention, a veteran British traditional folk band, released this album in 1970, more than 30 years after their debut. Richard Thompson, who is now active as a soloist, is well known for his love of the Martin 000-28, and Simon Nichol, who was also a Martin aficionado, cannot be overlooked. His stroke backing and arpeggio playing on "Dirty Linnell," "Slow," and "Flatback Caper," which can be said to be the signature songs of this album, are superb. The arpeggio playing on "Dirty Linnell," "Throw," and "Flatback Caper" is superb! This is a masterpiece containing excellent playing that reminds us once again that Simon was the one who "made" the traditional band, Fairport, sound like the band it was! Incidentally, Simon is currently using the up-and-coming Santa Cruz.
This is the second album released in 1970 by Nick Drake (passed away in 1974), a singer/songwriter who had a great influence on many bands and artists including Belle and Sebastian, a British neo-acoustic rock band of the day. Although the third album "Pink Moon" (1972) is originally recommended as a work that fully expresses the tone of the acoustic guitar, I dare to introduce this album as the perfection of the album as a whole. Anyway, the sound spun from Guild's all-mahogany wood is wonderful. The tone of mahogany wood is often described as "sweet" and "warm," and the guitar sound produced by Nick is just like that. His guitar tone, coupled with a nostalgic "deadness," is packed with a charm that anyone who picks up an acoustic guitar will surely identify with.
Eddi Reader is the lead vocalist of Fairground Attraction, a legendary band that broke up after releasing their debut album "The First of Million Kisses" in 1988, known for the hit song "Perfect, This is the second solo album released by Eddie Reader in 1994. You may think it's wrong to include her work as a singer in "Famous Acoustic Guitar Albums," but I included it because her acoustic guitar tone is so wonderful! Eddie's songs are sepia-toned and seared in a corner of my brain, a nostalgic memory of my childhood...such an expression fits her perfectly. The acoustic guitar playing of Mark E. Nevin (ex-Fairground Attraction), while understated, strongly accentuates the individuality of the songs. Sometimes the chord cutting creates a light and joyful atmosphere, and sometimes lyrical arpeggios take us to the end of the road to nostalgia.
This is a live album featuring a joint show in Belfast, Ireland, in November 1998 between Van Morrison, a veteran singer representing the U.K., and Lonnie Donegan, also one of the U.K.'s greatest vocalists. Already making his record debut in 1954, he is still a British national with his immortal "Rock Island Line" ('56) and the No. 1 UK hit numbers "My Old Man's a Dustman," "Patching on the Style, "Lonnie Donegan is still a reigning British national star with "My Old Man's a Dustman" and "Putting on the Style. On the other hand, Van Morrison made his debut with Zem in 1963 and still continues to win over many followers with big hits such as "Astral Weeks" ('69) and "Moondance" ('70). The energy released from the joint live performance of these two greats was tremendous! Not only their mature and soulful voices, but also their acoustic guitar playing, which seems to have mastered both the sweet and sour sides of the instrument, is full of divine persuasiveness. In this album, Van uses Yamaha's CPX series.
A historical masterpiece released in 1971 by Jethro Tull, a leading figure in the British Rock world. The band made their debut in 1968 at the height of the British Blues movement, and their musicality was completely unique. Based on leader Ian Anderson's superhuman songwriting ability, the band's unique sound, a fusion of rock, classical, traditional folk, blues, jazz, and all other musical elements, has had a considerable impact and is still popular worldwide. He has released 21 original albums so far, but it is "Aqualung" that emanates the charm of the acoustic guitar so powerfully.' The dead yet delicate tone produced by the 60's Martin O-16NY is outstanding! The synergy with Ian's lyrical tunes is a total sensation.
The Gipsy Kings' musicality, which skillfully mixes traditional Spanish music with a familiar pop sensibility, has earned them an overwhelming following around the world. Their debut album (released in 1988) includes "Inspiration," the ending theme song for the period drama "Onihei Hankacho," and "Joby Joba," which was used in a popular commercial. The warm yet intense sound of the flamenco guitar on "Inspiration" (released in 1988) stirs the passionate side of the human spirit. This is one album where you can enjoy the charm of the gut.
This is the eighth solo album released in 1989 by the great Irish folk singer, who has been described by U2's Bono as "the Irish equivalent of Christy Moore to America's Woody Guthrie. Produced by her old friend Donal Laney, this album is a little different from her previous organic and traditional style, and shows more attention to arrangement. The delicate yet robust sound spun from Takamine's Drednought is full of enough emotion to exquisitely evoke all kinds of Irish scenes.
Lisa Loeb, a female singer/songwriter from Texas, released her second album in 1997. Lisa made a spectacular debut with her number one hit "Stay" for the soundtrack of the movie "Reality Bites" and won the hearts of young rock fans in the U.S. and Japan, but her musicality is truly profound. Despite her cute looks (her trademark is her glasses), Lisa's musicality is very deep. Influenced by artists and bands such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Police, Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, Prince, and Sarah McLachlan, her songs are a perfect blend of rock's rough edges, country/folk pastoral moods, and accessible pop elements. While her debut album featured a heavy use of Gibson, this album features Martin and Taylor. This album is a must-listen for acoustic guitar fans, as the delicate and dead tone of the Martin OOO-18, which seems to be from the 50's, is demonstrated throughout the album!
This is the third solo album released in 2000 by Ian Anderson, the core member of the aforementioned Jethro Tull, who in recent years has been focusing on music with an oriental mood, as in his second solo album "Divinity's" and Tull's 21st album "j-tull dot com" released in 1999. However, Ian has now returned to his roots with this traditional folk album, which is a return to his roots. The core of the sound is the light mandolin and acoustic guitar, which adds to the pastoral atmosphere of the album. Ian has been playing with Andrew Manson Guitars and Brook Guitars, both of which have been getting a lot of attention for their small-bodied styles.