This CD is an important demonstration of the possibilities in American finger-style guitar. — Billy McLaughlin

Peacefire Productions is proud to announce the release of American Finger-Style Guitar Circa 1999 - a stunning new collection of contemporary compositions for solo acoustic guitar from the only five musicians in the world who hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in American Finger-style Guitar Performance. As the only graduates of the powerful and unfortunately ephemeral co-operative guitar program between the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Dan Schwartz, Benjamin Woolman, Bill Brenckle, Michael Gruber and Matthew Schroeder have rejoined to create a recording that will take the listener on a well executed and emotional drive through the landscapes of today's most exciting and diverse style of solo instrumental music. The recording contains 11 tracks - two solo pieces by each performer, which display their scholarly detailed technique and also their penchant for composing beautiful melodies. The collection ends with a barn-burning version of Leo Kottke's classic Jack Fig, played by all five, IN UNISON, complete with philosophizing pep talk by their instructor and leading guitar authority John Stropes!

The relationship that was built among the players has continued to inspire each others individual careers since graduation. Each artist has received numerous accolades including featured tracks on Narada Records compilations Guitar - Fingerstyle and Masters of Acoustic Guitar. Their camraderie never faded, so it is not surprising that their reunion has created such an inspired work.

Have you listened to this recording and would like to review it? Please send it to reviews@danschwartz.net