Guitarist James Wilkinson's first recording won over the critics. It gained an AFIM nomination for Best Acoustic album of the year for his last release Because of the Rain (White Cloud 11032). Now, his new release From A Distant Shore (White Cloud 11050) is destined to win over everybody else. The new CD an impressive selection of original acoustic guitar compositions that clearly demonstrate the brilliant technique and originality of this accomplished young guitarist.
From A Distant Shore draws in on James Wilkinson's now patented fluid style, fine tunings and his memorable compositions. The ten tracks on this album sparkle with virtuoso performance. His playing is fluid, expressive and lyrical; while the songs remain impressionistic delights carefully sculpted as from a master craftsman.
As Wilkinson explains, "These tunes are musical impressions of the places I've been and the landscapes I've seen. One track I've called 'Melisma' because it is embellished with little flourishes of grace notes like the melisma in old polyphonic singing; 'Westward' and 'Skyclad' are tracks that I wrote and dedicated for my grandfather and my dad. They're intended to create a sense of free spirit."
James Wilkinson is widely known for his solo guitar performances in Europe and Australia/Asia. Now emerging more and more on the international front, he describes his music as an amalgam of folk, jazz and classical styles flavoured with touches of medieval and eastern tunings. Wilkinson says that he is always seeking to expand the boundaries of the melodic and interpretive limits of the guitar. These explorations have led him to develop numerous alternative tunings that contribute to his remarkably unique guitar style.
Counting the late guitarist Michael Hedges as his biggest musical influence, Wilkinson's sound certainly reflects that claim. "He reinvented the whole way acoustic guitar is played. I think he is the most important guitarist to emerge in the last decade," says Wilkinson.
"A MUST for any serious acoustic guitar music fan" - Pan' Grove
