John Doan - A Celtic Pilgrimage (2010) [Hi-Res]

12 stunning solo performances on the 20-string concert harp guitar, by the instrument's originator, John Doan. Here for the first time on this album are new recordings of the original solo arrangements crafted by John - the incredible 20-string solos we've been hearing for years at his live performances.

Pieces which appeared in more orchestrated arrangements on Eire and Wayfarer are a treat to hear laid bare in this intimate and emotional recording.

John Doan plays the harp guitar, an obscure antique instrument with an indeterminate lineage. When you hear Doan play, it sounds like more than one musician performing. It's not that his lines are so complicated, but deep lows and ringing highs are mixed in with the sound of conventional acoustic guitar strings.

Although Doan doesn't play traditional music, the American musician uses the harp guitar to profess his love of the Celtic Isles. Wayfarer follows up his previous album, Eire: Isle of the Saints, with another collection of songs woven together with the intricacy of a Celtic knot. Inspired by his travels to sacred locations in Ireland, Doan often composed this music right on the spot. Amplified by Billy Oskay's immaculate production, Doan's gorgeous melodies lift off the heather accompanied by Irish whistles, subtle choirs, and enveloping atmospheres. With Wayfarer, Doan once again goes beyond the Celtic clichés and rote standards for an album that brings the mystery back to Ireland. (John Diliberto)