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Ralph Towner: My Foolish Heart
ByTowner employs the full range of the acoustic instrument's possibilities in a stunning musical way. Changing imperceptible between lines he creates a flowing whole of multiple voices which could be indicated as orchestral. Often he exceeds the usual acoustic guitar sound as is especially impressive in "Clarion Call." Even though it is orchestral it would be very difficult for an ensemble to achieve an equal flow and contouring of the sound.
The album My Foolish Heart is a new occasion to indulge in this extraordinary refinement of strings. It is is a masterly resume of Towner's orchestral approach. It manifests itself in great inner consistency and amazing economy of his playing. Towner's rendition of the title piece "My Foolish Heart" is, in fact, a masterpiece of interplay in one hand. Just as astonishing is the brevity and strong force of a series of pieces in the second half of the album. The pieces, all about one and a half minutes, function as ensemble mutually reinforcing each other. As a mature essential of a long deep practice they are masterpieces of the art of hinting at and of great suggestive force.
One of the most beautiful passages of the album is the sequence of "Ubi Sunt," "Biding Time" and "Blue As In Bley." Time and again it is astounding how certain Towner's twists and turns emerge from new context or create new connections hereby not only providing hold for the listener but also calling for active shaping when listening. Towner never plays merely beautifully. For Towner's music beauty is coming forth from, is a result of alternating, mutually matching lines and layers.
Track Listing
Pilgrim; I’ll Sing To You; Saunter; My Foolish Heart; Dolomiti Dance; Clarion Call; Two Poets; Shard; Ubi Sunt; Biding Time; Blue As In Bley; Rewind.
Personnel
Ralph Towner
guitarRalph Towner: classical guitar and 12–string guitars
Album information
Title: My Foolish Heart | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: ECM Records
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Henning Bolte
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My Foolish Heart