Tim Alexander & Sandy Shalk
Giving Voice
© 2006 Timothy C. Alexander and Alexander C. Shalk (837101191845)
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Compelling celtic, traditional and original acoustic guitar instrumental music -- easy listening music featuring the guitar.
tracks
- 1 For Ireland, I'll Not Say Her Name
- 2 Ye Banks and Braes
- 3 Deep River Blues
- 4 Crested Hens
- 5 The Bonnie Jig
- 6 Gift for the Tree
- 7 Paddy Fahy's Jig
- 8 Jock O'Hazeldean
- 9 The Skye Boat Song
- 10 Giving Voice
- 11 Planxty John Irwin
- 12 If Ever Your Were Mine
- 13 Planxty Polly
- 14 Moon River
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Recent Review:
SING OUT - Spring 2007 – Volume 51 #1
TIM ALEXANDER and SANDY SHALK
"Giving Voice"
Piney Ridge 1001
You might guess that good guitar music, beautifully played, would be hard to come by but, you’d be surprised. Too many good guitar players decide that a vocal or two (or three or four) will liven up an album, which is just fine if they sing as well as they play. A rare breed of guitarist, however, is smart enough to remember Frank Zappa’s words of wisdom: “Shut up and play your guitar.” This is exactly what Tim Alexander and Sandy Shalk do on Giving Voice, creating one of those rare albums of good guitar music, beautifully played.
A glance at both names on the cover might convince you that Giving Voice is a duo album, but it isn’t. Instead, Alexander and Shalk (simply referred to as Tim and Sandy in the liner notes), take turns on a mellow set of solo acoustic guitar. On Gilles Chabenat’s “Crested Hens,” Shalk’s acoustic guitar captures the delicate nature of the melody, evoking subtle moods and quiet spaces. On “Deep River Blues” Alexander turns in an easy-flowing, happy blues that would’ve made Merle Travis proud. Both players reveal an ability to marry classical proficiency to folk music, creating a down-to-earth hybrid. The closer, Shalk’s take on “Moon River” might even convince you that Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer wrote Celtic jigs for a living. ---- RL
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Acoustic guitarists Tim Alexander, of Monroe Township, Pennsylvania, and Sandy Shalk of Smyrna, Delaware, are featured on this inaugural release of the "Guitarist Presentation Series" on the Piney Ridge Music label.
In announcing this honor, El McMeen, of Piney Ridge Music, said "we are delighted to take the historic step of expanding the offering of acoustic instrumental music through our label to include these fine gentlemen. Their music ranges from evocative original compositions to traditional tunes; from standards like 'Moon River’ to up-tempo jigs and bluegrass tunes. It was a privilege for me to produce this CD."
The Guitarist Presentation Series was established to "showcase talented guitarists with the gift of making evocative and compelling music."
About Tim Alexander:
Alexander was born in 1959 and reared in upstate New York. He is the oldest of six children--four brothers and a sister. He now resides in Monroe Township, PA. In describing his music on the CD, Alexander explains, "the songs in this CD are my wordless and voiceless interpretations of some very gorgeous melodies, as well as renditions of original pieces I have created. I hope these renderings are pleasing and stimulating to the listener."
About Sandy Shalk:
Shalk was born in Philadelphia, and now resides in Smyrna, Delaware. As a solo performer, Sandy performs fingerstyle arrangements of Scottish, Irish, and American tunes, both traditional and modern. Sandy enjoys rediscovering his Scottish roots and exploring the musical diversity possible on acoustic guitar. He performs in a variety of folk venues.
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Here's what the Minor 7th Webzine had to say about this CD (Sept-Oct 2006; Kirk Albrecht): "a lovely disc of mostly gentle, traditional sounding tunes ... terrific guitar music."
Complete Review:
"Giving Voice" 2006 -- This is the first in what will most likely be a series of recordings which fingerstyle player El McMeen is now beginning to produce for his Piney Ridge Music label. The aim is apparently to showcase talented players he's had connections with, and if this first effort is any indication, he's on the right track. Tim Alexander and Sandy Shalk have put together a lovely disc of mostly gentle, traditional sounding tunes. While it's a duo recording, the pair take their turns on the songs, highlighting their individual talents. Scottish and Irish melodies fill most of the CD, whether jigs like "The Bonnie Jig" (Alexander), ballads like "Jock O'Hazeldean” (Alexander), or the obligatory Turlough O'Carolan song like "Planxty John Irwin" (Shalk). These guys have obviously been playing and listening to these tunes for some time, most clearly evidenced on "Crested Hens" played by Shalk, where he gives the song just the right pace, allowing the music to breath. We even get "Deep River Blues" by Alexander, and "Moon River" by Shalk for a turn on traditional American songs. The imprint of McMeen is all over "Giving Voice," from the sensitivity of arrangements and clean playing, to the clear fidelity of the recording itself. McMeen's mentoring of these players has given us more terrific guitar music by which to light our days. We're the fortunate ones for hearing their voice. © Kirk Albrecht
reviews
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Wonderful music, great playing
author: Charles YoungReally a fine effort from start to finish, there is not an even average track on the disc. If you like well played acoustic guitar, don't miss this one. I'll look forward to the next recording by either of these musicians.
Great stuff
author: Thom AdamsI am elated that my Swannanoa Gathering buddies have put together this CD of Celtic, traditional and original tunes. Their lyrical and feeling-filled playing is just the way I remember it to be, and now I can have a living room concert at any time I choose. A must have for fans of warm, emotionally driven fingerstyle guitar.
- author: Tony Montimurro
This is a wonderful CD, whose Celtic flavor conjures the feeling of Ireland and Scotland. But beyond that, the artists show a mastery of their instruments evidenced by the warmth and lyricism, and exquisite phrasing throughout. Highly recommended.
This is music for all occasions, for me.
author: Linda M. FleetwoodWhat great music! This CD has been playing constantly in my office since I received it, and it's just a great background for everyday office tasks. It's peaceful, just like Sandy, and it makes my work area peaceful. Guys, you did an awesome job.
This CD needs to be heard - a pleasure and a treat to listen to.
author: Shannon CasonTim and Sandy obviously have command of the instrument, as well as a mastery of the material, but that's not the best thing. These guys apparently know that the song is the important thing. I never once felt either fellow was letting his playing get in the way of a great song. It is unusual that I let go of paying attention to technique and just listen. But these guys made it easy. It takes a true musician, and more than a dash of humility, to pull that off. These songs are such beautiful pieces with such sympathetic arrangements. I especially like "The Bonnie Jig" and thank you for reminding me what a timeless tune "Moon River" is. Those two songs alone are worth the price of the CD. I can't go on without mentioning the recording. El McMeen got a great sound out of you guys, very present and natural. Like we were sitting together in a great room. This CD needs to be heard. It is just a pleasure, a treat, to listen to. With admiration.
Beautiful arrangements & tasteful playing = Great CD!!
author: Paul HarveyI've had this CD for a few weeks now and have had a chance to give it a good listen. I can honestly say that it is a must-have CD. The playing by both Tim and Sandy is top-notch, and their styles compliment each other. The arrangements of some well-known tunes, as well as some not-so-well-known ones, are very nice and effectively utilize the strengths of the guitar. There are also a few nice originals on this disc, and Sandy even does a fingerstyle arrangement of a jazz standard (yeah!). And I even like the title of the CD, which is truth in advertising - on this CD Tim Alexander and Sandy Shalk are definitely 'Giving Voice' to their passion for the acoustic guitar!
great solo acoustic guitar
author: Anton EmeryIf you enjoy well arranged acoustic guitar tunes and beautiful original compositions then i would highly suggest this cd. The tone of their guitars is gorgeous, Sandy and Tim really let the natural warmth of their instruments come through. Most of the tunes are slow to medium tempo, though there are some quicker ones such as Tim's Deep River Blues and Sandy's Paddy Fahey's Jig. Overall a great cd.
Great players with wonderful music
author: Ron PetersonVery enjoyable music performed by excellent musicians. I will buy their next effort! CD production is well done.
Some beautiful playing, beautifully recorded.
author: Doug YoungThis turned out to be a really nice CD, and I was thrilled to be there for its birth. I've had it playing in my car for weeks now. Tim's got a wonderful touch, with beautiful phrasing and tone. Sandy's jazz background comes thru a bit with several tunes, with both some unexpected harmonic shifts and also a slight swing that adds some interesting motion where you might not expect it. The two players styles are compatible, yet enough different to make for interesting listening. A top-notch release all the way around.
A fine first effort by two excellent fingerstyle guitarists
author: Art EdelsteinHere's a really nice fingerstyle CD of mostly Celtic music by two guitarists whose day job is not music. Celtic Fingerstyle guitar master El McMeen was right to produce this album. The guitars shimmer and there is a seemless transition from one player to the other. The Martin guitars here sound lovely. My one complaint at 39 minutes this cd is too short. I want to hear more music.
Beautiful Music
author: Bill CarpenterTruly artistic renditions of beautiful melodies - a collection of guitar solos worthy of any fingerstylist's list of favorite CDs.
This cd is stunning!
author: Jim IvlerIf you like solo acoustic steel-string guitar, this cd should be on your desert island list. The playing, tune selection, arranging and composing, and sound of those Martin guitars are all sublime. This is truly a "dream team" effort and you will be glad you purchased it, every time you listen.
Really, really nice!
author: Bill Hammond"Giving Voice" came largely out of sessions in Delaware this past February that also involved California's Doug Young and me. Well, folks, the thing turned out just beautifully, start to finish. It has fabulous sonics, professional and attractive packaging and artwork, but most important is the heart and soul of the thing, the music. Tim and Sandy trade off pieces on the disc -- all either arrangements they have done or originals. There is a decided Celtic bent to the overall theme, but some very cool diversions from that path, as well. The playing is tender and from the heart, very skilled, yet not technical for technique's sake. The tone of the guitars is warm and clear and natural. And having worked with El McMeen as producer and Marc Moss as recording engineer, I can't imagine finding a better quartet of ears and a better studio anywhere for those of us whose primary love is acoustic guitar. Tim and Sandy took full advantage of this, and I doff my hat to them. I cannot recommend this CD highly enough.