Album Notes

Gerard Cousins is enjoying a growing reputation as one of the Uk\'s most original talents of the classical guitar.
His expressive performances focus on sheer beauty of sound, balanced with deep musical insight.

An International prizewinner, Gerard has performed around the world from London\'s Purcell Room to televised appearances from Peru to Turkmenistan.

His debut recording \'Una Leyenda\', described as \'guitar magic\' on BBC Radio has also been featured on Classic FM.

Gerard\'s latest recording highlights his skills not only as a performer but also as a composer. The new CD includes first recordings of Robert Jacob\'s last work and Gerard\'s own arrangement of the piano meditation \'Tune for Toru\' by Mark-Anthony Turnage.

An evocative musical journey to Cuba, Japan and the UK, \'A Gift\' features major works by Leo Brouwer, Takashi Yoshimatsu and an ethereal performance of John Tavener\'s Chant.

from the sleevenotes:
\"This album is a response to my debut recording of spanish music \'Una Leyenda\', With \'A Gift\' I wanted to explore different aspects of myself and the guitar. Included are works by my favourite contemporary composers and those to which I have a strong personal attachment, like Robert Jacob\'s \'A Gift\' and my own pieces and arrangements.

Beginning with an idea of stillness and movement or silence and music, the various themes in this collection move from evocations of nature (rhythm and power) to spiritual peace (space and calm)\".