by Barry Solomon

Flatpicking guitar has taken an interesting journey since its inception, first with Maybelle Carter, then Don Reno, Doc Watson and Clarence White. Younger players who began by listening to the original masters have melded those influences with other styles, including blues, swing, classical and even various world music styles.

When first listening to Doc Watson and Clarence White, Barry Solomon was particularly attracted to their use of swing and jazz licks and phrasing, and their choices of songs straight from the Tin Pan Alley and Great American Songbook. Tunes like Limehouse Blues, All of Me, and Honeysuckle Rose were exciting challenges to explore after becoming comfortable with bluegrass and fiddle tunes. Barry always thought that bluegrass and jazz were a wonderful combination, and the most gratifying challenge has been to create arrangements that meld both styles in a tasteful and exciting manner.

Titles presented in Volume 1 include: Lady Be Good, Take the A Train, Solly's Blues, Back Home In Indiana, There'll Never Be Another You and Georgia On My Mind. Accompanying audio is included.