Acoustic Traveller

Amazon.com
John McEuen is best known as the banjo player for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, but in the years since he left that group, he has carved out a successful career as an acoustic instrumentalist on mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, lap steel, guitar and even koto as well as banjo. For his third solo album, --Acoustic Traveller, he emphasizes his overlooked talents on the acoustic guitar, pushing that instrument to the fore on all but a handful of the 15 cuts. The result is a compendium of sparkling melody lines, hypnotic arpeggios and surprising counterpoint which boasts the same relaxed virtuosity as the solo, duo and Pentangle albums recorded by British guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch. A lot of gifted pickers are competing for the narrow market niche known as new-acoustic instrumental music, but McEuen separates himself from the pack with the seductive loveliness of his tunes. The guitarist demonstrates his ability to evoke moods through melody by a sequence late in the album where he moves from the soothing lullaby of "Go Lightly in the Night" to the bouncy wit of "Back N 4th in Pahrump, Nevada" and then to the seductive romance of "After Dark." "Homecoming" hints at McEuen's film-scoring work with its sweeping breadth and momentum, but what really distinguishes it is a catchy piano figure which reminds one of Dickey Betts' "Jessica." --Geoffrey Himes

Acoustic Traveller,John Mceuen,Vanguard Records,Bluegrass,Country,Pop

Average customer rating: A Poet With His Instruments Technically Awesome, Emotionally Unforgetable

Acoustic Traveller John McEuen Manufacturer: Vanguard Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: String Wizards String Wizards II Stories and Songs Round Trip: Live in L.A. Hanna-McEuen ASIN: B000000ENF Release Date: 1996-02-20

Tracks:

1. Gypsy Knights
2. Fisher's
3. Keep Walking
4. Turki Innastra
5. Acoustic Traveller
6. Moonlight Dancing
7. Lady's Choice
8. Old Country
9. Homecoming
10. Go Lightly In The Night
11. Back N 4th In Pahrump, Nevada
12. After Dark
13. I Am A Pilgrim
14. Mr. Bojangles
15. Gypsy Knights (Reprise)

Amazon.com

John McEuen is best known as the banjo player for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, but in the years since he left that group, he has carved out a successful career as an acoustic instrumentalist on mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, lap steel, guitar and even koto as well as banjo. For his third solo album, --Acoustic Traveller, he emphasizes his overlooked talents on the acoustic guitar, pushing that instrument to the fore on all but a handful of the 15 cuts. The result is a compendium of sparkling melody lines, hypnotic arpeggios and surprising counterpoint which boasts the same relaxed virtuosity as the solo, duo and Pentangle albums recorded by British guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch. A lot of gifted pickers are competing for the narrow market niche known as new-acoustic instrumental music, but McEuen separates himself from the pack with the seductive loveliness of his tunes. The guitarist demonstrates his ability to evoke moods through melody by a sequence late in the album where he moves from the soothing lullaby of "Go Lightly in the Night" to the bouncy wit of "Back N 4th in Pahrump, Nevada" and then to the seductive romance of "After Dark." "Homecoming" hints at McEuen's film-scoring work with its sweeping breadth and momentum, but what really distinguishes it is a catchy piano figure which reminds one of Dickey Betts' "Jessica." --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

A Poet With His Instruments.......2003-06-09

It is rare that any instrumental album can have such an effect on the listener as Acoustic Traveller does. The third of McEuen's solo albums, the banjo player of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band emphasizes his talents with an acoustic guitar, but doesn't stop there-he also plays the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, lap steel, and even a Japanese koto. What separates this album from all other acoustic instrumentals is the beautiful melodies McEuen crafts with these instruments. He changes from relaxing ("After Dark") to playful (Back N 4th in Pahrump, Nevada") with ease and beauty. There is one vocal track ("I Am a Pilgrim"). The soothing bluegrass and folk of Acoustic Traveller truly takes you on a journey through the beauty of these instruments.

Technically Awesome, Emotionally Unforgetable.......2000-07-14

I was first introduced to John through "String Wizards", an absolutely delightful melding of bluegrass with contemporary arrangment. With 'Traveler', he sets a new standard. The title track is, in itself, worth the cost of the album

Average customer rating:

Ignorance & Fear Manufacturer: Wookie Wook Sound ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAD9VK Release Date: 2004-07-20

Average customer rating:

Acoustic Traveller ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B00007KIHA Release Date: 2002-12-17

Average customer rating:

Todd Stakem Todd Stakem Manufacturer: Caledog Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CADWUS Release Date: 2002-12-10

Tracks:

1. Shepardstown
2. Flight
3. Crystal Shivers
4. Fools Gold
5. Gift
6. Nada Sonata
7. If Ever
8. Flute (Live in Austin)
9. Road Through Adare (Live in Austin)
10. Celtic Farewell
11. Fates Flaws (Spoken Word)

Average customer rating: I am honestly, deeply impressed. A+

Traveller Who Didn't Ask for Glory Manufacturer: The Wimshurst's Machine ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA6JRG Release Date: 2004-09-07

Customer Reviews:

I am honestly, deeply impressed. A+.......2006-08-21

I found this review about this product on another website: "Airy atmosphere's, eastern moods, influences from modern- and worldmusic come together in a unique and timeless experience while listening to The Wimshurst's Machine. The melodies and sounds are carefully selected and put together, layer by layer, song by song. One can not escape from the spell this band casts as one hits the play button. The sound quality is absolutely gorgeous. The arrangements are so light and airy that this music actually gives a reviving touch to the listeners mind and soul. This is what this kind of music is all about. To pull the listener out of the Carthesian theatre, away from his or her daily routine into a dream like state, which makes it easy to absorb the comforting mood that breathes thrueout the songs, whispering to the subconsciousness that all is good. The compositions are timeless and very refreshing. Some songs are done by the book, but never without loosing sight on surprising elements. The natural sound of this band's music is stunning and clearly done by professionals. I am honestly, deeply impressed. A+ (Patric Bakkenist, The Netherlands)" ...hope is of some help! :-)

Average customer rating:

No Commercial Traffic Manufacturer: Solstice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA77X6 Release Date: 2002-06-25

Music Album:

1. Acres of Heartache
2. All Aboard the Blue Train [Extra tracks]
3. All That I Am
4. All the Hits & All New Love Songs [Import]
5. American IV: The Man Comes Around
6. Andy's Ramble
7. At Last
8. Babies in the Mill
9. Barbaro Del Ritmo 1948-1950
10. Before You Go

Music Album