The Blind Boys of Alabama to receive Liftetime Acheivement Award from Americana Music Association
The cermony takes place on 18 September at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Wed, 03 July 24
Tom Kerstens is a major figure in the guitar world. He is highly regarded as a versatile performer on modern and period instruments and is an influential champion of the guitar in his roles as player, recording artist and artistic director. An acclaimed solo performer, Kerstens has also collaborated with many leading UK orchestras and ensembles, recently forming his own ensemble, G Plus, which is dedicated to performing especially commissioned new work.
For over one hundred and fifty years, the guitar has been languishing on the periphery, overlooked by composers and out of touch with mainstream developments. With very little repertoire written, guitarist Tom Kerstens has taken the lead in commissioning work for himself. Talented young writers such as Joby Talbot, Errollyn Wallen, Max Richter, John Metcalfe and Graham Fitkin have created some truly original work, bringing the guitar to the heart of classical and contemporary music. Approaching composers from outside the classical world is all part of Kerstens’ desire to get compositions for the guitar out to a much wider audience and free from the concert hall.
"A true poet of the guitar." Gramophone
G Plus means guitar with something else. This can be guitar with other instruments, (e.g. the G Plus ensemble) or guitar with electronics (e.g. the three movements of The Third Fire). Both versions can be found on ‘Utopia’ – their first recording. The G Plus ensemble here consists of two guitars, strings and percussion and features Amanda Cook and Dan Gresson.
Tom Kerstens is Artistic Director of the International Guitar Foundation and Festivals (IGF).
The debut recording of Tom Kerstens with his G Plus Ensemble. The group was created specifically for the recording of newly commissioned repertoire for the guitar from composers who operate outside as well as within the classical world and with the express aim of bridging the gap between popular and classical guitar culture.
Various Artists
Beautifully packaged clamshell box with 3 CD wallets, 28 page booklet containing the story of 25 Years of Real World Records, and a collection of Real World Tales with contributions from musicians, producers, designer and managers.
The cermony takes place on 18 September at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Wed, 03 July 24
Pendo & Leah Zawose will perform at festivals including Glastonbury Festival and WOMAD.
Mon, 13 May 24
Righteous anger has never felt so warm and convincing. Or so goddam danceable.
Thu, 15 February 24
'AmmA' draws on music from north-east Morocco and influences from Tunisia and Algeria.
Fri, 08 March 24