Search - Neil Jacobs :: Secret Places

Hauntingly melodic solo contemporary acoustic 12-string guitar. Touches of classical, world and fingerstyle with some eclectic surprises - Absolutely delightful to the ears and heart - Few guitarists utilize the 12 string guitar as their main instrument. Even two of the greatest virtuosos to ply the beast, Leo Kottke and Ralph Towner, do not use it exclusively. Given this, I was taken aback when I happened upon the recordings of Neil Jacobs and learned that he plays the 12er as his main squeeze. I was skeptical at first, thinking the music would be new agey. I was happy to find this was far from the case. Secret Places is a marvelous recording. It is filled with wonderful performances and arrangements. Many of the pieces are just as thought provoking as they are great to listen to. Two of my favorites are Kiss of the Gypsy and Song of Vojvodina . I closed my eyes on listening to these two and was instantly transported to Eastern Europe. The playing is lively and life affirming. Truly, here is music for the soul. Other compositions, like Morning at Ragged Point , Train to Zanzibar , and Singing Dunes , are diverse in approach and execution. Jacobs and company have the chops but do not flash for effect, but play with conviction and duende. This month makes a year that I have been playing the 12 string as my main instrument. Listening to Jacobs tells me how far I've got to go. I hope I live long enough to reach such heights as this modern virtuoso of one of the most amazing instruments on the planet. Five out of Five Stars! Review by Eric Paul