RALPH TOWNER - My Foolish Heart
ECM 571 4582
Ralph Towner (classical & 12-string guitars)
Recorded February 2016
Difficult to believe that this is Towner's first solo album for a decade, with previous albums from his solo discography, such as Solo Concert, Ana, Anthem, and Time Line, all remaining so fresh and current that the passing of time can be deceptive. It is therefore much to the guitarist's credit that he is able to push past his former glories and to develop and refine his solo playing so that he is continuing to move his music on and a delight us a new, however familiar with his playing we may feel we are.
It is this element to surprise within such a well defined idiom that makes this album such a delight. The unmistakable and distinctive touch on the strings is undiminished, as is the ability to bring fresh ideas into play, with a dogged determination not to fall back on preconceived patterns or licks. Whether tackling familiar standards (he plays at least one standard on nearly all of his solo outings to date), or revisiting material from his past and reworking them into his solo performances there is a sense of freshness and discovery in the music that is conceived by this master musician.
The material ranges from new originals, a reworking of a couple of tunes from the Oregon songbook, and the obligatory standard. In this instance the standard in question is the title track, in which Towner puts his personal spin on a particular favourite of his, citing the version performed the Bill Evans Trio with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian as having "an immeasurable impact on my musical life". This influence, on the basis of this stunning rendition by the guitarist, is felt rather than emulated in a treatment that is truly as memorable as that of the Trio he so admires. Towner follows this up with a complete change of pace in the joyously upbeat 'Dolomiti Dance', which along with the aptly titled 'Saunter' which ambles along amiably provides variations in tempo that pull the attention away from the reflective reverie that is so captivating on the slower cuts, 'Pilgrim' and the gentle 'I'll Sing To You'.
Picking up the 12-string guitar for the enigmatic 'Clarion Call' which leaves an audacious amount f space in which to savour the sound and ideas produced by Towner, and all too brief but energetic 'Biding Time', a new sonic palette is introduced to the set, not to astound with virtuosity but to further communicate the song in the most immediate and direct way. This direct communication from performer to listener is also evident in the heartfelt dedication to the late Paul Bley, 'Blue In Bley' who had passed away a month before the recording sessions. With the classical guitar once again being Towner's axe of choice, this most heartfelt tribute to another piano giant who along with Bill Evans changed the face of the piano trio forever.
In a nod to his past, and ongoing work with the group Oregon, Towner revisits two compositions from early on the group's discography, 'Shard' and the closing piece on the album, 'Rewind' which is an appropriate enough suggestion to simply rewind (or press repeat) and listen again to the exceptional album.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ECM 571 4582
Ralph Towner (classical & 12-string guitars)
Recorded February 2016
Difficult to believe that this is Towner's first solo album for a decade, with previous albums from his solo discography, such as Solo Concert, Ana, Anthem, and Time Line, all remaining so fresh and current that the passing of time can be deceptive. It is therefore much to the guitarist's credit that he is able to push past his former glories and to develop and refine his solo playing so that he is continuing to move his music on and a delight us a new, however familiar with his playing we may feel we are.
It is this element to surprise within such a well defined idiom that makes this album such a delight. The unmistakable and distinctive touch on the strings is undiminished, as is the ability to bring fresh ideas into play, with a dogged determination not to fall back on preconceived patterns or licks. Whether tackling familiar standards (he plays at least one standard on nearly all of his solo outings to date), or revisiting material from his past and reworking them into his solo performances there is a sense of freshness and discovery in the music that is conceived by this master musician.
The material ranges from new originals, a reworking of a couple of tunes from the Oregon songbook, and the obligatory standard. In this instance the standard in question is the title track, in which Towner puts his personal spin on a particular favourite of his, citing the version performed the Bill Evans Trio with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian as having "an immeasurable impact on my musical life". This influence, on the basis of this stunning rendition by the guitarist, is felt rather than emulated in a treatment that is truly as memorable as that of the Trio he so admires. Towner follows this up with a complete change of pace in the joyously upbeat 'Dolomiti Dance', which along with the aptly titled 'Saunter' which ambles along amiably provides variations in tempo that pull the attention away from the reflective reverie that is so captivating on the slower cuts, 'Pilgrim' and the gentle 'I'll Sing To You'.
Picking up the 12-string guitar for the enigmatic 'Clarion Call' which leaves an audacious amount f space in which to savour the sound and ideas produced by Towner, and all too brief but energetic 'Biding Time', a new sonic palette is introduced to the set, not to astound with virtuosity but to further communicate the song in the most immediate and direct way. This direct communication from performer to listener is also evident in the heartfelt dedication to the late Paul Bley, 'Blue In Bley' who had passed away a month before the recording sessions. With the classical guitar once again being Towner's axe of choice, this most heartfelt tribute to another piano giant who along with Bill Evans changed the face of the piano trio forever.
In a nod to his past, and ongoing work with the group Oregon, Towner revisits two compositions from early on the group's discography, 'Shard' and the closing piece on the album, 'Rewind' which is an appropriate enough suggestion to simply rewind (or press repeat) and listen again to the exceptional album.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
