ECM Records writes: “Happy 80th birthday to the grandmaster of the acoustic guitar and a key ECM recording artist for over 45 years, Ralph Towner. As an instrumentalist Towner has shaped distinct languages for his classical and 12-string guitars. He has described his approach to the guitar as “pianistic: my brain wants to have access to all those notes at once.” As a composer, he remains a unique force, combining baroque counterpoint, rhythms and melodies inspired by Brazilian music and jazz tradition, and a personal approach to harmony and development.
His ECM catalogue lists over 30 titles and features collaborations with fellow guitarists, John Abercrombie, Egberto Gismonti and Wolfgang Muthspiel, aswell as albums with Gary Burton, Jan Garbarek, Kenny Wheeler, Gary Peacock, Arild Andersen and the group Oregon.
Listen to his album ‘Solstice’ here: link.
photo by Paolo Soriani