When listening to clear acoustic guitar music, I'm particularly caught by certain passages that give me chills (good ones, not spooked-out chills). Samples from several songs on this CD triggered those chills, prompting me to buy it. I've put in eight full listens of the entire disc since it arrived last week. It is very relaxing and engaging music to me. I've enjoyed listening to it at my office, and I'm looking forward to mixing it with a comfortable rainy afternoon (or perhaps a crisp foggy morning) on my front porch very soon.

This CD, the Quartet's second recording, bears a 2002 date, yet it has only just reached me – some quirk of distribution no doubt… Anyway, suffice to say that it does largely what it says on the proverbial tin, being a spirited 40-minute set of pieces played by four acoustic guitarists, mostly in the jazzy-classical-folk mould that would be regarded as, or at least bordering on, easy-listening if the textures weren't so perennially busy. And as such some listeners are likely to find them too "twiddly" for continued or repeated listening - so this may not be a CD for listening to all in one sitting (except in the context of superior background music for relaxation perhaps). But taken individually, each track has much to commend it, whether in the ever-stylish, highly accomplished playing or the idiomatic compositions (all originals by one or other group member). Influences and styles range from flamboyant flamenco (Dance Of The Gypsy King) to classical Spanish to classy incidental music (From Dawn To Dust) to gentle bossa-nova (Simplicity Itself). I don't normally appreciate over-tricksy playing, but here the virtuosity is altogether unassuming and is channelled creatively - I specially liked the fascinatingly awkward Sideways Mobile, From Dawn To Dust and the softly-characterised After Hours. The quartet comprises Malcolm MacFarlane, Ged Brockie, Kevin Mackenzie and Nigel Clark; of the ten tracks, Ged gets the lion's share as regards composing credits (six), Malcolm three and Kevin just one. The recording quality is predictably excellent, with individual lines perfectly clearly delineated at all times. The potential drawback is that the unvarying timbre of four guitars could prove tedious for the non-aficianado. However, whatever your musical tastes, basically if you enjoy the likes of Martin Taylor, or just love the sound of the guitar well played then you just know the quartet can't put a finger wrong. If you don't, then keep well away – but then, fair dos, you wouldn't give it a second glance if guitars weren't your bag would you?… A fait accompli in both senses – an accomplished feat and a foregone conclusion (if ever there was one!).

There is a strong focus on compostion in this second release. The confidence of the band in the quality of the writing shines through the performances, and many of these numbers became firm parts of the band's live sets. The title track from Malcolm MacFarlane uses some modern classical techniques to develop interplay between the four guitars, and Ged Brockie develops a beautiful theme using all four voices in When Spring Breaks Through. There is a good sense of fun creeping through, such as the playful Dance of the Gypsy King (in honour of Ged Brockie's mythical Andalusian childhood) and pop hooks which my kids like (From Dawn to Dust). Kevin MacKenzie also offers his first recorded composition for the band (Sidewardly Mobile), which some like me will find attractively quirky, and others may find a bit wierd. The solo duties fall largely on Malcolm MacFarlane who has crystal clear phrasing and timing. Nigel Clark's solo on From Dawn to Dust is outstanding, with blistering runs fitting of a rock god - but on an acoustic guitar. A strong and satisfying set list. Highly recommended.