The Album that Changed Everything

[@gorvo31]

Hey Jeff, Among other things, I appreciate this reminder that I need to explore more Laurindo. I only have one album and I've meant to listen more. Yes though, that thing of being able to do so much on that instrument. That's what I've always loved about Ralph Towner, someone approaching classical guitar in a different way....not to mention composing too. Looking forward to you going further into your own guitars. Thanks as always. -Carm

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Carm! I've been listening to Towner again lately. As I've probably told you before, he is one of the big mysteries of my music listening journey in that, of all artists I should really like (and I've been told dozens and dozens of times that my playing reminds people of Towner's), I've just never been able to connect with his music very much. Every year I try again but never get far before moving on to something else. I think that maybe it is BECAUSE my playing is similar to Towner's that I don't find myself wanting to hear him as much as others by whose playing I am challenged and inspired to improve. That's the only reason I can think of that I would not absolutely LOVE this man's beautiful and inventive music. I'd certain love to sit and chat with him because he seems to be a really great guy and very down to earth. I don't know why I am always compelled to say all of the above whenever someone mentions Towner.....other than I find it a mystery and still have hopes that one day I will be able to just enjoy his music without trying to overthink it.

[@matthewstreet1961]

I have a few solo acoustic/ classical type LPs. They're very soothing, relaxing, and inspiring. I'll check this one out. Thanks Jeff!

[@CalicoSilver]

That "Best of Laurindo Almeida" album seems to be very rare (not in "expensive rare" but in "rarely seen in used shops rare". Today I only have mp3 files of it from KZbin. It was never issued on CD....not even close. Haha! There were always a handful of albums that I kept hoping would be issued on CD one day, but they weren't, and now CDs seem to be dying, so....

[@mistery-ed7900]

There are 45s as well as albums by various people that would qualify for this subject for me. The library was instrumental in discovering different types of music back when. It was free so it was easy to experiment. Nowadays there's KZbin! Great series!

[@CalicoSilver]

So true, Ed! A great public library with a large music collection is a rare and invaluable treasure. I lived in the library all during the '90s. And yes, now we have KZbin. But it is not even close to the joy of a good library. My daughter was always a book worm and today works as a librarian and sometimes I worry about the future of libraries and her livelihood there.

[@josevictordiogo4174]

Shame that not that many people here in Brazil realize how great Laurindo's acoustic guitar was.

[@CalicoSilver]

He was one of the best! I love Bonfa, Powell, Gilberto, Caymmi, Sete, Pereira, and many others, but Almeida was always the best overall, i thought. Thanks for your comment, José. Cheers! Jeff