Muthspiel, Grigoryan, Towner – From a Dream

From a Dream – Muthspiel, Grigoryan, Towner

By Chris Peken

Not to be mistaken for MGF (Machine Gun Fellatio), MGT (Muthspiel, Grigoryan, Towner) is a delicious proposition, Australia’s three leading exponents of the classical guitar Wolfgang Muthspiel, Slava Grigoryan and Ralph Towner together on one album. A list of their solo achievements would be encyclopedic. Following the success of their first 2005 tour, the trio have come together again, this time to record as well as tour. From A Dream is so simple in structure, the three guitarists always set up the same, Wolfgang on the left, Slava on the right and the self-confessed “old man” Ralph in the middle, but blindingly complex in its exploration of the instrument(s). From the playful and joyous Tammuriata to the epic Icarus, from the fragility of Beneath an Evening Sky to the pop motif of In Stride, MGT bring the classical guitar alive, never lacking for technique and talent, but more importantly, never letting training take over from feel. This is an album that should bring joy to young and old, waking weary ears. “When I heard Ralph playing the classical guitar”, recalls Grigoryan of Towner, “it was such a revelation to hear my instrument played in such an honest and unusual, original way”.

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