Miyabi Duo * Timothy Bowers: Guitar Music Vol. 1 [New CD]

The guitar is traditionally the preserve of the Spanish. But Timothy Bowers, born near London in 1954, has found a rather more English side to the instrument: understated emotion expressed in an accessible language, unforced elegance, crisp and clean textures and a degree of reserve; extending it's frame of reference, much of this music has the unhurried delicacy of a Japanese water-colour and the hint of folksong that comes with the guitar itself. This album, the first dedicated to Bowers' guitar music, has the stamp of authenticity: it is performed by musicians with whom he has worked closely, and the recording was supervised by the composer himself.