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In September of 1999 Flatpicking Guitar Magazine began producing an instructional audio CD to accompany each issue. In preparation for the first audio CD we recorded Kenny Smith and Curtis Jones playing a duet on the tune "Angeline the Baker" for the September/October 1999 issue. After listening to Kenny and Curtis play this tune together I realized the incredible beauty and power the sound of two acoustic guitars played in duo contained and the idea for New Standards was born. In preparation for this project I contacted fifteen of today's most talented acoustic guitar players and asked each to compose an original tune for this CD. I asked that the tune take advantage of the special characteristics of the guitar. I wanted guitar tunes, not fiddle tunes or banjo tunes played on the guitar. I also asked that the tune be something that would be appropriate for a guitar duo. I paired the players together taking into consideration their unique playing styles and the logistical challenges of getting each pair in the studio together. All songs were recorded live with the exception of "Brittlebush." The word "standard" can mean "something established and generally accepted" and it can also, among other things, mean "serving as a gauge or criterion." It is my hope that flatpickers will be inspired to learn these tunes and begin playing them at picking parties and jam sessions along with some of the old standards which reside in the flatpicking repertoire, so these tunes will indeed become new standards. I also think that the level of mastery demonstrated in the playing here will serve to "raise the bar" and thus effectively set new standards of excellence for all flatpickers to strive to attain. Thus we give you New Standards for Flatpicking Guitar. Enjoy!