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Bruce

by Bruce Boome
(Durban, South Africa)

Quite honestly, I find it hard to choose an order for players at this level, as each of them has something magical to offer. I've also had to leave out other favourites. Anyway, for what it's worth here are my top picks.

1. Julian Bream for his unique tone, with wonderful variations of timbre. His musicality, and sensitivity. His ability to play modern music-- and make it work (20th century guitar is one of my favourites). Also his ability to be a foremost expert in so many fields- modern, Elizabethan, Bach, Romantic etc. His exploration of the lute etc.

2.John Williams for his technical facility. His Spanish interpretations are excellent (to my ears). His tone could be called typical (which is not to say that a couple of notes are enough to identify him as the player). He is refreshingly unstuffy, and I admire his stand in dress code for performances, and his experiments with electric guitar.

3. David Russell for being the new challenger for the crown. I love his tone, and big sound. His command of the instrument is awe inspiring.