In 1808, Italian Virtuoso guitarist Mauro Giuliani performed his Concerto No.1, the first modern concerto for guitar and orchestra. This raised the status of the guitar from a parlor instrument to an instrument worthy of respect of the worlds most serious (and respected) musicians. In 1939, Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo penned "Concerto de Aranjuez" the most famous guitar concerto to date. The nylon string classical guitar (Torres guitar) has been elevated to the status of a serious instrument as a result of these seminal compostions.
The Selmer-Macaferri guitar has been seen as an anachronism in the modern guitar world. Most "serious" musicians ( respected jazz and classical authorities) usually classify the Selmac guitar as an unusual instrument used by Django Reinhardt and his modern imitators.
John Jorgenson has changed that with his new release "Istiqbal Gathering". This is a collaboration between John and Orchestra Nashville. This work is the culmination of 7 years of work between John and Orchestra Nashville's conductor, Paul Gambill. This album has four pieces. The first is Concerto Glasso, a 3 part concerto for the Selmac with Orchestra written by John. Make no mistake about it, this ain't "Minor Swing" redone. This is modern Classical music that uses many idiomatic Gypsy guitar elements (one of the parts is in 3/4 time, evoking the traditional "Gypsy Waltz"). The Selmac guitar can finally take its place among its brethern (the Classical guitar) as a serious insrument worthy of the world's attention. Bravo John Jorgenson!
There are three other pieces on the album. "Dieter's Lounge" a Jorgenson piece performed with the Turtle Island Quartet, "Groove in the Louvre" another piece done with the Turtle Island Quartet penned by David Balakrishnan, the founder of the Turtle Island Quartet and the title track, "Istiqbal gethering" another Jorgenson composition that feaures a Cimbalom and violin in addition to the Selmac guitar.
John Jorgenson is one of the world's great guitarists (in any genre) and his Gypsy Jazz chops are up there with the best of them. His virtuosity is amply presented in this work. All fans of great music, especially those with an interest in Gypsy Jazz should check out this work. Most Gypsy jazz recycles that which has previously been done. This album breaks new ground. John dedicated this work to his father, but in some respects, this is a symphony to Django Reinhardt. This album is highly recommended.
Word: Istiqbal
Meaning:
(1) The act of welcoming someone.
(2) The act of approaching someone.