Tom Ball - Solo Guitar: Music From Films (2007)

On this CD Ball tackles some of the most memorable film music ever composed. Alongside new arrangements of such beloved pieces as Over the Rainbow, Manhá de Carnaval and Yesterday, the guitarist has also chosen several lesser known obscurities such as the sublime Wild Mountain Thyme and the hauntingly radiant themes to Once Upon a Time in the West and To Kill a Mockingbird.

In addition to the varied material, another standout aspect of this recording is the use of a vintage steel stringed instrument -- in this case a 1936 Gibson. While other players have recorded some of these pieces on the classical (nylon string) guitar, very few of these selections have ever been rendered on steel strings. The result is an ultra-warm resonance, with an unusual clarity of attack and an often shimmering presence.

Expertly played and recorded with tube microphones over the span of a year, Solo Guitar ~ Music From Films transports the listener to a musical world where Catalan composers can live next door to Celtic harpers; where contemporary Hollywood film scorers shake hands with Bahamian street musicians; and where Tin Pan Alley can peacefully exist within the favelas of Rio. Once again, in Tom Ball’s capable hands it’s all simply guitar music -- and fine guitar music indeed.