It takes a lot of brass to tackle the music of Thelonious Sphere Monk, the creative giant whose idiosyncratic piano playing and composing reshaped the sound and texture of modern jazz. And when the musician attempting this feat is a solo guitarist, well, that makes the challenge even more daunting.On Sphere, fingerstyle jazz guitarist Sean …
McGowan is exquisitely tasteful throughout, remaining true to the melodies while adding colorful textures, including harp-like interludes and occasional sprinklings of dissonance. There’s an intimate feel to the CD that’s quite appealing, and the consistency of tone and mood creates an ambience that’s both lovely and luminous. McGowan has created an immensely pleasing CD, a …
Sphere ranks among the very best solo jazz guitar records I have ever come across. McGowan’s arrangements are fresh and innovative…it is amazing to hear how full he sounds as one guitar player, adding layers of beautiful harmonies and a driving bass, never allowing the listener to miss another instrument. Right from the start listeners …
It’s a gutsy move to cover Monk’s music with just your guitar and no overdubs, but McGowan is more thanup to the task. Don’t let the solo guitar label fool you, he swings hard on “Blue Monk” and “Rhythm-A-Ning.” Monk’s classic “Round Midnight” gets a gorgeous treatment, starting with shimmering harmonics. A true guitar showcase.
