Ed Gerhard 'House of Guitars' (Virtue Records VRD1925) This is one of the best guitar albums (especially the slide cuts) that I've heard in a couple of years, ..move over Ry, ...Ed Gerhard is back! Ed is no newcomber to fans of superb instrumental guitarists. His debut back in 1987, Night Birds, was chosen by Boston Globe Critics’ Poll as one of the ten best albums of the year, and his reputation and music have been spreading ever since. House of Guitars is a tasteful collection of eleven songs and Ed's seventh CD on Virtue Records. After several listening sessions, I think that one of the most distinguishing aspects of Ed's music is his inventive use of open tunings, which provide him with an array of timbres and modes that vary greatly, but seamlessly from one piece to the next. Showing a great discipline on his chosen instruments, and a keen knack for improvisation, Ed always creates new unexplored musical ideas, whether it's using a handmade Breedlove 6-string, (Breedlove produces the Ed Gerhard signature model guitar),Breedlove 12-string, slide guitar or lap steel, he always succeeds at getting his musical vision across. The eleven compositions range from from vintage folk songs like the beautiful, "Poor Wayfaring Stranger", to well-know pop ballads like Lennon and McCartney's "I Will." There are also several brilliant original tunes on the disc, including "Promised Land" and "Because of You." Ed's friend Ray Brunelle plays drums on "Because of You, and well-known Boston session player, Randy Roos adds some great guitar on that cut as well. My favorite piece was "Wayfaring Stranger." I've been walking around humming it for days, since I received the album. There is actually a plastic guitar down in the mix on that track. Another standout for slide affectionado's is the beautiful Hawaiian slide guitar on "I Just Can't Keep From Crying." Fans of Ed Gerhard will surely still love this album, but those not familiar with his earlier work will find their jaws dropping, after a few bars of Ed's magical sounds. Highly recommended. Review by Ben Kettlewell information: email: virtuerec@aol.com website: http://www.edgerhard.com/

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