This is a new compilation of all acoustic guitar performances by mostly solo musicians. Old and new recordings by veteran performers share disc space with some of the younger six-string slingers turning heads in today?s increasingly acoustic-interested environment. John Fahey, Sandy Bull, Steve Mann, Max Ochs (cousin to Phil), and Janet Smith are just a few of the artists featured on this compilation who originally wrote and recorded material in the folk-encouraging environment of America in the 1960?s while Jack Rose, Glen Jones, Brad Barr, and Harris Newman contribute on behalf of a new generation of players. The strangest and most noticeable name in the list of contributors is Terry Riley, a person I?ve never known to play acoustic guitar. His son, Gyan, however, is an accomplished musician in his own right, and his original composition ?La Cigale (The Locust)? features his guitar playing accompanied by his esteemed father on piano.

A 70 minute disc of mostly solo acoustic guitar instrumentals may sound incredibly boring to many listeners, and this disc doesn?t exactly jump out of the speakers and shake a person with its sonic inventiveness. ?Imaginational Anthem? requests quiet contemplation and even studied concentration of a listener to reveal its delights. But it?s easy for the mind to wander during one acoustic technique showpiece after another. I?m not a guitarist, but I can still appreciate these songs for what they are without a whole lot of knowledge about exotic tunings or finger-picking. Most of these tracks were recorded live and many can not be found elsewhere. Acoustic guitar enthusiasts should certainly seek this disc out. 7/10 -- Sean Witzman (18 July, 2005)