Ralph Towner: At First Light

Ralph Towner

U.S. guitarist Ralph Towner, who has been with ECM throughout his solo musical career, has created a unique body of work with his recordings for the label. His solo albums, the first of which, Diary, was released 50 years ago, are at the center of his work. "At First Light" continues this great tradition, drawing inspiration from a wide range of music. "My solo recordings have always included original compositions, with traces of the many composers and musicians I've been drawn to," Towner writes in a liner note, citing the influence of George Gershwin, John Coltrane, John Dowland and Bill Evans, among others: "I feel that 'At First Light' is a good example of how I incorporate this variety of influences into my personal music." In addition to his own tunes, Towner also plays Hoagy Carmichael's "Little Old Lady," Jule Styne's "Make Someone Happy" and the traditional tune "Danny Boy."

"...rich in intricate melodies [...] Even the traditional 'Danny Boy' sounds completely new after Towner's virtuoso arrangement." (STEREO, May 2023) "It's fascinating [...] how he replaces what has just been played with new variations or other themes, how he falls from fonissimo to pianissimo and how he exhausts the sound possibilities. Delightful." (stereoplay, May 2023)

Price: $25.98

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