Album Notes

Guitarist Bill Washer has been performing, composing, and teaching for over 30 years. He spent most of this time in the N.Y.C. jazz and R&B scene playing and/or recording with a diverse range of artists including Joe Henderson, Stevie Wonder, Michael Urbaniak, Gato Barbieri, Richie Havens. Ashford and Simpson, Stanley Clarke, and Elvin Jones. His more "legitimate" work includes the Joffrey Ballet, numerous Broadway shows and recording on movie scores and jingles.

"The guitar is the most versatile instrument in the world" says Washer."I love all styles, from Segovia to Van Halen". This versatility shows in his composing as well."I've always loved the classical guitar. I remember hearing an album in High School by Laurendo Almeda. It was the music of Tarrega, Sor, Albeniz, very legit stuff. He also included some of his native Brazilian music. I was mesmerized" It wasn't until years later that he began learning some of the same pieces."I was on the road with Liza Minnelli. Our days were free so I had a lot of time and no distractions.

I'd keep the nylon string in my room and work on classical repertoire." he says. "I also composed on it." Some of these pieces can be heard on his C.D. "Solitary". Though written for classical guitar, the music leaves plenty of room for interpretation and improvisation. "I'm still a jazzer at heart" says Washer