Hi everyone,

Last August I totally missed the passing of 25 years since I released "Sol", an album of Latin and Flamenco-inspired pieces. Where has the time gone? This was my most ambitious production to date, with a core trio of Stick, drums and percussion, supplemented on various tracks by horns (including John D'earth on trumpet), additional percussionists, and the amazing guitarist Tim Reynolds. A couple of my albums don't sit as well with me now as they might, but not this one. The whole crew is truly ablaze.

Seven originals and Erich Ferstl's "Guitarresque"... Take it out for a free spin or download in various formats on BandCamp:

https://greghoward.bandcamp.com/album/sol

Thanks for listening...

One of my favourite albums of your Greg

Man I have a soft spot for this record. When we start talking quintessential records I (like everyone else) usually bring up "Stick Figures". Truth be told though, this was always my favorite of Greg's.

Thanks for the kind comments, gents.

This was my first record where I focused on "arranging" as much as performance. It's amazing what a little focus can do to make a strong melody even more enjoyable.

As much as I appreciate The Stick's attributes as an improviser's tool, and it's speed as an "idea conduit", the range and tonal variety it's capable of inspire limitless possibilities for putting the pieces together (an I only has a 10-string at the time!)

Cheers!

Same here. There are two "Stick" albums in my collection that always get my immediate attention when a piece from one comes up in the shuffle - even more than "Prog Noir" - one is "Unnamed Lands" by Tom Griesgraber and Bert Lams, and the other is "Sol."

Thank you, Steve,

Yes, Tom and Bert's album is good company for me. I am "gilt" by association, for sure...

Have you seen this video of them playing a track live from the record?

Yes! I'm hoping the new incarnation of CGT comes back to the Ark in Ann Arbor soon.