Description
Guy Van Duser – Got The World On A String – Vinyl Record
Guy Van Duser’s Got the World on a String (1987) is a masterclass in solo guitar performance, showcasing Van Duser’s virtuosic fingerpicking style and his deep appreciation for jazz, swing, and American standards. Known for his intricate arrangements and technical prowess, Van Duser brings new life to classic songs, blending elements of ragtime, stride piano, and jazz guitar. His arrangements are complex yet accessible, making this album both a technical marvel and a joy to listen to for fans of instrumental music.
Van Duser’s playing is characterized by his intricate fingerpicking technique, where he plays melody, harmony, and bass simultaneously. He often draws inspiration from the stride piano style, where the left hand plays a steady bass pattern while the right hand plays melody and chords. Van Duser adapts this approach to the guitar, creating a rich, full sound that feels orchestral in scope.
The album features a range of jazz standards and swing tunes, reflecting Van Duser’s deep connection to the Great American Songbook. His playing is rhythmic and melodic, with an emphasis on groove and improvisation. Van Duser’s interpretations are faithful to the original compositions but imbued with his unique, laid-back style.
Van Duser’s tone on the album is warm and clear, allowing the listener to appreciate the subtle nuances of his playing. His use of acoustic guitar gives the album a natural, intimate sound, making it feel like a live performance even in the studio recordings.
The album is filled with uplifting, swinging tunes that reflect the joy and optimism of the American songbook. Tracks like “I’ve Got the World on a String” and “Cheek to Cheek” exude a carefree, romantic energy, with Van Duser’s arrangements emphasizing the playful rhythms and infectious melodies of these standards. On ballads like “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Stardust,” Van Duser taps into the more reflective, emotional side of jazz and American popular music. His arrangements allow space for introspective moments, where the listener can fully appreciate the beauty and depth of the melodies. Got the World on a String is a testament to Van Duser’s deep love for the Great American Songbook. His respect for the original compositions is evident in his careful, thoughtful arrangements, while his innovative fingerpicking style breathes new life into these timeless songs.
Van Duser performs all the tracks solo on acoustic guitar, using his fingerpicking technique to create a full, layered sound. His playing is both technically impressive and musically expressive, with each piece showcasing a different facet of his skills. The ability to handle complex melodies, harmonies, and basslines simultaneously is a hallmark of Van Duser’s style.
Van Duser’s arrangements are harmonically rich, with an emphasis on jazz voicings and colorful chord progressions. He uses his guitar to create a wide range of textures, from gentle, flowing lines to more rhythmic, percussive strumming.
One of the defining features of Van Duser’s playing is his ability to bring out a wide range of dynamics and emotions with his guitar. Whether he’s playing a delicate ballad or an upbeat swing tune, Van Duser’s touch is precise and expressive, allowing him to convey the full emotional spectrum of each piece.
Guy Van Duser is recognized as one of the foremost fingerstyle guitarists, and Got the World on a String highlights his mastery of the craft. His ability to blend jazz, swing, and classical influences has earned him a devoted following in the world of acoustic guitar.
By arranging jazz standards for solo guitar, Van Duser has contributed to the growing tradition of jazz guitar. His interpretations are both respectful of the original material and innovative, offering a fresh take on these classic tunes.
Van Duser’s technical skills and musicality have inspired a generation of guitarists, particularly those interested in fingerstyle and jazz guitar. His unique ability to translate complex jazz arrangements to solo guitar makes him a respected figure among musicians.
Got the World on a String by Guy Van Duser is a masterful display of fingerstyle guitar, blending the elegance of jazz standards with the intricate techniques of solo acoustic guitar. With its mix of upbeat swing tunes, delicate ballads, and technically challenging pieces, the album showcases Van Duser’s ability to breathe new life into the Great American Songbook. His thoughtful arrangements, combined with his impressive technical prowess, make this album a must-listen for fans of jazz guitar and instrumental music.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Rounder Records 3081 1985
Track Listing
The Syncopated Clock
Once In Love With Amy
Got The World On A String/ On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Third Street Blues
On Treasure Island
Little Girl Blue
Avalon
Elmira
Duke Ellington Medley: I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart / I got It Bad / I/m Beginning To See The Lisght
/ Sophisticated Lady / Rockin’ in Rhythm
Body And Soul
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