Distilling The Spirit Of Classical Guitar

Stephanie Jones is one of the great exponents of modern classical guitar, and she never ceases to improve. Her spirit is filled with curiosity, constantly introducing us to composers who are becoming significant in the literature of this instrument. Kevin Callahan is an original voice within the classical guitar world, providing enriching contributions to the modern guitar repertoire. Congratulations to both for pushing the boundaries ever higher. A formidable partnership!

Of all guitar players I watch and listen to every now and then you are the only one whose videos I just can't leave before they're over. Even pausing because the phone is ringing is very hard. And it absolutely doesn't matter if you're playing Bach or modern pieces like this one which I otherwise mostly wouldn't even like.

Thanks Stephanie and Kevin for this wonderful surprise. The music is rowdy, elegant, and subtle at the same time. The composition and this performance deserve an honored place in the classical guitar repertoire far into the future.

Stephanies playing is absolutely outstanding, and with an improvisational quality not often seen among classical guitarists. This is hot stuff!

Amazing! On the one hand it was perfectly interpreted as usual on this channel. So virtuous and soulful at the same time. 👏👏👏On the other hand I'm always exited to find new music and since I've never heard about Kevin Callahan this was new to me. I need to lookup more from him as soon as possible. Thank you Stephanie!

It’s always a pleasure to hear and see my favorite classical guitarist.💋

Stephanie! Your playing is so clear, sharp, beautiful and powerful!!!!!! My only comment (and this goes for everybody who plays 'The Whisky Tales') Please, don't drink before playing it! Otherwise.. Just listen to Stephanie 😁 Kevin's composition is a masterpiece. It captures all the nuances of the eccentricities of the area where his inspiration came from. Details: I love the titles! CONGRATULATIONS to both of you 😍😍

You are a very talented guitarist and composer, listening to your magical music is a pleasure. Thank you Stephanie Jones 👍👏🌹🌹🌹💕.

What a beautiful beginning piece. River flowing.

Thanks for watching! Here is some information about the piece: Shot 1: “Red Deer of Jura” Jura is an island in the inner Hebrides of Scotland and translates from Old Norse to “Deer Island” as there is a large population of red deer, far outnumbering its mere 200 or so inhabitants. Jura is mountainous with the southern part of the island designated a national scenic area. Interestingly, George Orwell lived on the island of Jura intermittently and completed his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four there. In fact, there is a single malt produced on the island in his commemoration. This movement is in 6/8 and is basically a jig, so it’s important to maintain accents in groups of 3 and 6. Shot 2: “Down by Knob’s Creek” This shot is inspired by a well-known American Kentucky Bourbon. And in case you didn’t know, American whiskey is spelled with an “e”, whereas Scotch whisky is spelled without the “e”. It was somewhat difficult deciding on how to spell “The Whisky Tales”, with or without the “e”. But I chose without the “e” given the first and last movements reference Scotland. Down by Knob’s Creek has more Americana style elements such as blues and jazz while maintaining some folkloric elements as well. It has a fun or quirky feel with lots of syncopated surprise notes that spice up the flavor. While I did not intend to write a blues piece, it turns out that Down By Knob’s Creek closely resembles a simple blues, at least in structure, although with more harmonic complexity. Shot 3: “Cauldron of the Speckled Seas” By some measure the world’s 3rd largest whirlpool is the “Corryvreckan” just off the coast of Scotland between the islands of Jura and Scarba. “Corryvreckan” translates to “Cauldron of the Speckled Seas”. You might note that the Ardbeg distillery makes cask-strength whisky with the name using an image of the whirlpool on its label. There’s also some fascinating mythology you can read about online. Cauldron of the Speckled Seas is the final movement of “The Whisky Tales” and with this piece, I attempted to depict a swirling whirlpool that sucks you into its vortex, but sometimes spits you back out! You hear violent clashing of the waters punctuated by big, discordant chords. Cauldron of the Speckled Seas is not based in any key or tonality and is rife with meter changes, although there is a section where some of the themes and folkloric elements from The Red Deer of Jura show up in a slight variation. The movement is very rhythmic, energetic and bold. It’s the most technically challenging of the tales

AMAZING PERFORMANCE!!! 👍👍👍👏👏👏👌👌👌

Outstanding Jones! I love the artwork in the background, too.

I could only line up superlatives and repeat what all the others here have written. You're simply stunning! Since i discovered you some years ago You're my favourite classical guitar player. Every time it's a great experience to listen to and watch your playing! Cheers from Berlin

The first word I thought of after the last piece was Spectacular!🙏 Thank you

Wow, wonderful! ❤

Living Legend.

Desde Colombia, mi admiración por esta gran guitarrista. Estas cuatro piezas, complicadas, no tienen tiempos pausados. Todos son Allegro. Sus dos manos son prodigiosas. El sonido es perfecto.

I really enjoy the energy you bring to these performances! I'm often reminded of videos of a young Segovia. Thank you so much for sharing these new compositions and giving them a chance to be heard by a larger audience!

Totally awesome!!!

Beautiful composition, wonderful musician and interpretation! 🎼🎶