Search - Paul Clarvis, Paul Kegg, Martin Loveday :: John Williams: The Magic Box

John Williams: The Magic Box
Paul Clarvis, Paul Kegg, Martin Loveday
John Williams: The Magic Box
Genres: Special Interest, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (15) - Disc #1

With his crystalline articulation and extraordinary rhythmic prowess, John Williams ranks among the greatest solo voices the acoustic guitar has ever known. Now, with the joyous evocations of the African guitar tradition, ...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Paul Clarvis, Paul Kegg, Martin Loveday, Anthony Pleeth
Title: John Williams: The Magic Box
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 2
Label: Sony
Release Date: 4/16/2002
Genres: Special Interest, Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 696998948327

Synopsis

Amazon.com
With his crystalline articulation and extraordinary rhythmic prowess, John Williams ranks among the greatest solo voices the acoustic guitar has ever known. Now, with the joyous evocations of the African guitar tradition, Williams has hit upon his most emotionally satisfying crossover recital to date. Though both chief soloist and arranger, Williams nevertheless avoids shining the spotlight on his virtuosic skills--even his solo showcase, "Masagna," places greater emphasis on the tune's folkish incantations. He allows plenty of melodic space for the likes of steel-string player John Ethridge, while guiding listeners through the idiomatic flora and fauna of the pan-African experience: from the hornpipelike airs of Madagascar ("Mitopa") and kora-styled arpeggios of Mali ("Malinke Guitars") through to intimations of South African vocal traditions with a lovely children's chorus on the anthem of the African National Congress, "Nikosi Sikelel'I Africa." Simply expressive and deeply felt, Magic Box exudes a universal vibe that transcends borders and nationalities. --Chip Stern

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CD Reviews

Perfect for a quiet, cloudy Sunday Morning
Dr. Eric M. Jones | Wodonga, Victoria, Australia | 11/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have Magic Box playing and a small water sculpture flowing as I type this and the combination is just about perfect. I wouldn't call myself a sophisticated listener, even though I bought my first Segovia recording as a teenager in the early 1960s and, over the years, have accumulated quite a few recording by Segovia, Isbin, Williams, Parkening, and others. I never tire of listening to these superb guitarists playing Rodrigo and Bach and the other standards but, every once in a while, it is a pleasure to hear something a little out of the ordinary. It takes a special talent for a classically trained musician to handle pop or folk material with any success - as it does for pop/folk musicians to go the other way. Williams does it with ease."
Perhaps my favourite jw
Mrs E Cavanagh | 10/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"you gotta give it to john, he tries new stuff. and traditionalists may snob his later recordings, he has a gift of bringing life to guitar music.



the repertoire is different, cute and enjoyable.



my only critisicm is that the steel string solos get a bit monotonous in some of the pieces, but this is only because its not to my taste."
Magic in a Jewel Box
Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 08/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The premise for this recording is spelled out on the back cover of the CD packaging: "Guitarist John Williams discovers the continuing tradition of guitar music in Africa and Madagascar." He is joined on this musical adventure by Paul Clarvis on hand drums and other percussion, John Etheridge on guitar, Richard Harvey on various woodwinds, Chris Laurence on bass, with Francis Bebey and the Africa Children's Choir providing vocal support.



This music has a wonderfully rich texture to it, with a wealth of rhythmic and timbral variety and interplay. The music also has a remarkable feeling of joy associated with it, the joy of making music and the joy of living life. It will bring a smile to your face if you give it half a chance. The liner notes offer an overview of the music, the sound is clean and clear and well balanced, and overall The Magic Box is magic in a CD jewel box."