10 Rising Stars of Classical Guitar
Here is a list of 10 top classical guitar virtuosos—all in their ‘20s or early ‘30s—originally from 10 different countries.
Blair Jackson
Blair Jackson is the author of the definitive biography Garcia: An American Life and was senior editor at Acoustic Guitar before retiring in 2023.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Offers Surprisingly Fresh and Original Takes on Classic Dylan Tunes on ‘Dirt Does Dylan’
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founders Jeff Hanna and Jimmie Fadden used to play Dylan tunes together in high school, now the band has released a tribute album, Dirt Does Dylan.
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Digital Conservatories: Online Learning Resources for Classical Guitarists
We looked into a number of the most popular classical-guitar learning sites and offer profiles of three here; at the end you’ll also find brief glimpses of four others.
Singer-Songwriter Jesse Terry’s Covers Album ‘Forget-Me-Nots’ Is Indeed Unforgettable
The album is a collection from a wide spectrum of writers, styles, and eras, beautifully presented in (mostly) acoustic settings.
Grant Dermody & Frank Fotusky Shine in Southern Blues Workout ‘Digging in John’s Backyard’
The performances by Grant Dermody & Frank Fotusky on Diggin’ in John’s Backyard sound like a couple of (really talented) pals casually sitting on the front porch pickin’, blowin’, and singin’.
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Abbie Gardner’s Intimate ‘DobroSinger’ is a Sparkling Revelation
The album is as pure a “solo” album as you’ll find—it’s live takes of just Gardner’s voice and an arsenal of resonator guitars.
Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder Salute Two of Their Heroes on ‘Get on Board: The Songs of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee’
Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal are now revered as legends themselves, and they’ve chosen this moment to time-travel back to honor two of their early heroes, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.
David Jameson’s ‘Tall Dark Pines’ Is a Timeless Old-School Folk and Country Debut
The album is a delicious swirl of fragmentary but evocative country-folk story-songs and ballads.
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Southwest Duo Jamestown Revival Paints Its Masterpiece with ‘Young Man’
Jamestown Revival emphasizes a folkier, quiet side with their vocal blend shining even more than usual.
Moonalice Unplugs for Acoustic Guitar Sessions in Place
For this intimate Acoustic Guitar Sessions in Place outing, Moonalice guitarists Roger McNamee and Barry Sless are joined by the always-marvelous T Sisters for two songs.
‘Home on the Midrange’ Is a Remarkable Display of Chemistry and Imagination from Jamie Stillway & Eric Skye
On Home on the Midrange, Jamie Stillway and Eric Skye put on a flatpicking clinic over the course of eight original tunes.
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Carlos Barbosa-Lima and Johannes Tonio Kreusch Shine on ‘Manisero’
This release pairs the two guitarists on a collection of short pieces from Latin composers
‘Woody Guthrie: Songs and Art, Words and Wisdom’ is a Spectacular Portrait of American Folk’s Greatest Minstrel
A delightful visual feast, compiled by Guthrie’s daughter Nora with material from the Woody Guthrie Archive in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Eliza Gilkyson Delivers a Remarkable Ode to the Southwest with ‘Songs from the River Wind’
Gilkyson calls this album a “love letter to the Old West."
Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers’ ‘Ramble in Music City: The Lost Concert’ is Another Welcome Visit from a Prime Acoustic Band
The album features a recently unearthed concert recorded 7 months before 'At the Ryman,' with a completely different set list.
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Remarkable ‘Samba in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse 1966–68’ from Bola Sete Trio Showcases Classical Guitar Influences
Playing nylon-string, Bola Sete was a masterful improviser and technician, with influences that ranged from Django Reinhardt to João Gilberto to Andres Segovia.
Guitar Concert Impresario Richard Patterson Celebrates 40 Years of Creative Programming
For 40 years, Richard Patterson and his Omni Foundation for the Arts have been one of most vital producers of classical guitar concerts in the U.S.
Moving Documentary ‘Karen Dalton: In My Own Time’ Profiles the Underappreciated Folk Music Figure
The beautifully made and moving documentary "Karen Dalton: In My Own Time" highlights the music and life of the underappreciated folk music figure.
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These 3 New Releases Show Diverse Approaches to Fingerstyle Guitar Mastery
John Pizzarelli's Better Days Ahead, Matthew Stevens' Pittsburgh, & Steve Gibb's The Boatman each highlight mastery of the fingerstyle guitar in their own right.
Andy Jurik’s ‘Strive’ is a Stimulating and Wide-Ranging Solo Collection
This album is a showcase for the incredibly diverse interests of this eclectic, superb classical guitarist who also embraces pop, folk, and jazz.
Ravel, Debussy, and More on ‘Intimate Impressions’ From Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan
"Intimate Impressions" by Canadian classical guitarists Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan draws on their own arrangements of piano works by Ravel and Debussy.
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Jerry Garcia’s 1943 Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar Finds a New Home—and New Players
Jerry Garcia’s Martin D-28 acoustic guitar was likely acquired by the guitarist in the late spring of 1970. Now it has a new owner to care for it.
Timeless Irish Music Feels Fresh and New on John Doyle’s ‘The Path of Stones’
All but one song feature multiple layered parts, sometimes contrasting strumming & deft fingerpicking
Guitar Talk: Kenyan Singer-Songwriter Ondara Has Found his Voice in America
One of the more interesting cats to emerge in the acoustic guitar world is Kenya-born, Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter J.S. Ondara.
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Watch Raphaël Feuillâtre Perform Rameau’s ‘Les Sauvages,’ a Melodic and Complex Baroque Piece
This wonderful recent performance of Rameau’s popular piece Les Sauvages, from the composer’s Nouvelles Suites de Pièces de Clavecin (1726–1727), is delivered by one of the finest young players on the contemporary guitar scene, Frenchman Raphaël Feuillâtre, who was the deserving winner of the 2018 Guitar Foundation of America competition.