The mesmerizing power and beauty of acoustic guitar is amply displayed on Acoustic Heart 2 (released on Shanachie Entertainment June 29, 2004), a collection of extraordinary performances by such acoustic guitar masters as Peter White, Earl Klugh, Alex de Grassi, Artie Traum and many others. A surprising highlight is Pat Metheny's version of the Norah Jones hit "Don't Know Why." Metheny, who is known as a wizard of electric guitar, turns in a subtle, moving version of one of the past year's biggest hits. Following the successful approach of the previous volume of Acoustic Heart, this new compilation delivers plenty of passion and romantic feeling amidst an often-dazzling display technique. As noted by celebrated acoustic guitarist Artie Traum, who compiled the album along with Jeff Heiman, the tracks often have an almost orchestral quality--even though most of them feature only solo acoustic guitar. The list of artists featured on Acoustic Heart 2 is a veritable "who's who" of acoustic guitar masters. It also demonstrates the universality of the instrument; represented on Acoustic Heart 2 are artists from Hawaii, Algeria, England, France and America, reflecting the reality that impressive acoustic guitar music is being made on every continent and has been for some time. Interestingly, the artists on Acoustic Heart 2 have made their names in a variety of genres--jazz, world, new age, folk and rock music. Laurence Juber, for instance, first made his mark as a member of Paul McCartney and Wings. Pat Metheny, an electric guitar icon in the fusion jazz world, had never recorded with acoustic guitar until he made the album that contains "Don't Know Why" last year. Artie Traum along with his brother Happy, has been a staple of the folk and singer/songwriter circuit for years. He also has had success in the contemporary jazz world, scoring a #l contemporary jazz radio hit in l994. Alex de Grassi came to prominence in the first wave of "new age" music, one of a handful! of guitarists who created a whole new style for acoustic guitar.
