"On this session, Renbourn proves again that he is one of the undisputed masters of the guitar. The tracks are generally minor-key medieval/renaissance-era mood-pieces adapted for solo guitar, and as such they work beautifully. This is a perfect winter/early morning/rainy day album, and I believe it's a masterpiece both for the amazing playing and the unique, marvelous compositions. A couple of the tracks also include fife and drums, and do so to good effect. This is my favorite Renbourn recording. If you're a fan of his, of great steel-string guitar work, or of interesting early music, don't miss this one."
Renbourn at his finest!
Andre Hote | 07/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With a wholesome rich sound that transcends from piece to piece, its one of John's finest albums. The masterful blend of sound John achieves makes the musical mind ponder at his abilities. Each track leaves you anticipating the next, much like John's older LPs such as Sir John Alot. 5 Stars does this an injustice. The opening piece, New Nothyng is one of my all time Renbourn favorites. A build up from "Lady Nothynge's Toy Puffe," this piece expounds on the original with 2 guitar pieces together. Absolutely beautiful!"
One of Renbourn's best
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 11/11/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A gorgeous, transendant acoustic guitar album that easily lives up to the high standards of such '70s classics as "The Black Balloon". Highly recommended."
Just about as good as acoustic guitar gets
Bob Wilkinson | Coventry, W. Midlands Great Britain | 04/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There's a symmetry in this music. Each piece interweaves with the previous and the next to work a simple magic. Baroque, Medieval and Contemporary. Here we have a guitar player who uses the instrument so beautifully it literally evokes tears. Listen to the title piece. Earlier in 'My Lady Carey's Dompe' he brings in likeminded musicians - drum and recorder - one a busker I recall - to carry the mood - and they do not disappoint. The opening piece, 'New Nothynge' is wonderful - just for the way the notes hang. How does he get this tone so consistently. For me Renbourne is a guitar player of unusual depth. This set of guitar pieces is his own landmark. Thank you John."