In the right hands, the acoustic guitar becomes a world of sound that transgresses the limitations of the instrument and the role as mere accompaniment. Genres become blurred and suddenly the strings start to sing instead of the troubadour. Or perhaps more correctly, the instrument becomes an extension of the guitarist, and the strings tell stories that seem to come out of everywhere and nowhere... [ read more ]

There has always been room in jazz for those creative minds who can bridge the gap between the heart of tradition and the leading edge of change. In the world of saxophonists, Thomas Chapin, Arthur Blythe, Julius Hemphill or David Murray easily come to mind... [ read more ]

Miklós Lukács is one of the world's premier players of the cimbalom, the modern extension of the hammered dulcimer. The progenitors of today's cimbalom, common to many folk traditions, date to Mesopotamia circa 670 BC, or so ancient stone carvings suggest. Lukács is no stranger to folk music, but he is equally at home interpreting Franz List or playing contemporary classical music with noted international orchestras and chamber ensembles... [ read more ]