A fine collection of classical guitar classics beautifully performed and superbly recorded on location in the Texas Hill Country. Kevin McCormick, known for his lush tones, effortless phrasing and strikingly original compositions, is finally captured performing pieces by Villa-Lobos, Tárrega, Sor and Satie. Villa-Lobos’ Cinq Preludes weave a thread through the collection taking us to the timeless “Spanish Romance,” the delicate Tárrega serenades “Adelita” and “Lágrima,” the passionate “Capricho Arabe” and the delightful choro by Pernambuco. Ponce’s “Scherzino Mexicano” and Mertz “Nocturne” highlight McCormick’s innate sense of melody and dance in this wonderful recording.

A critically acclaimed performer and award-winning composer, Kevin McCormick has been playing guitar for over 30 years. He has studied and performed in Italy and Japan and throughout the United States. He was recognized by the Guitar Foundation of America for his solo guitar composition “Desert Passage.” His compositions range from sacred choral works to solo and ensemble guitar pieces. His writing for the Kevin McCormick Ensemble involves a unique blending of classical instrumentation, jazz harmonies, traditional and non-traditional song structures and rock-like energy. The Austin Chronicle calls it “an aural watercolor of emotional intensity.”