Roots & Branches" presents Paul Asbell's guitar playing and arranging through a variety of American music, ranging from Piedmont & Delta blues to Old Time Country & Bluegrass to Jazz to Broadway musicals. What makes this a truly enjoyable musical experience from start to finish is Asbell's taste, guitar mastery and overall musicianship. Most of the tunes are presented in intimate, primarily acoustic solo, duet and trio settings. Some feature guest appearances by top flight musicians, such as harmonica ace Howard Levy, bassist Clyde Stats, saxophonist Michael Zsoldos, and fiddler Joel Smirnoff. If you think that Freddy King's "Hideaway", Charlie Parker's "Parker's Mood", and Leonard Bernstein's "Somewhere" (from West Side Story) cannot be presented in the same recording, think again, because everything here is done with artistry. In fact, the only criticism I can think of is that I wished that "Somewhere" was 8 minutes, rather than the 4 minutes, in length! If this were a completely fair and just world, Asbell would be a star, but.....
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Paul's sound reaches from the sweaty, kudzu-covered hills of the Appalachian mountains to the growling bars of the inner cities. His technique is as supreme as his taste. No movement and indeed no note is wasted in this stunning collection of haunts & melodies. The naked skill of his solo fingerpicking tunes are the gems of the record, but from cover to cover, Paul swings and hops, sighs & wails through the strings of his guitar. Brilliant.
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This CD is one of the best acoustic guitar CDs I have heard and is a must for any serious listner to acoustic guitar.  Paul Asbell's playing is melodic, intricate and tasteful throughout.  The choice of material is eclectic and inspired with Somewhere being a stand out track.

Highly recommended.

Dave
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Paul plays the hell out of a guitar, and this album is more intricate and well-played compared to his first album.  I think it's an album that is going to appeal more to guitar fans than simple music fans.  The first album is going to appeal more musically to all fans.  Both are worth adding to your collection.
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