Dedications
Azica, 2026
9/10
The always impressive guitarist and composer David Leisner presents the works of Randall Woolf, Pierre Jalbert, David Del Tredici, Bun-Ching Lam, João Luiz, Laura Kaminsky, Carlos Carrillo, Marilyn Ziffrin, Chester Biscardi, and Peter Sculthorpe across these (mostly) solo guitar selections.
Woolf’s “Going Home” leads with a blues influence, as Leisner’s classical background is present amid the improvisational mood, and Jalbert’s “Two Sides” follows with 2 antipodal movements, where both introspection and firmness are present via the meticulous guitar.
Further along, “MadrigAfro II” embraces Afro Brazilian rhythmic traditions that are quite mesmerizing thanks to the attention to space and mood in the Luiz selection, while Kaminsky’s “Ruminations” balances both meditative moments and energetic bouts that complement the inner conversations.
Landing close to the end, “Rhapsody”, by Ziffrin, is a lyrical, tonally exciting album highlight that truly showcases the scope of Leisner’s abilities, and “Oh, T.J.!” exits with Alan Moverman’s meticulous piano alongside the melodic guitar lines for the dreamy and rich finish.
Leisner now has 11 solo albums under his belt, and this installment is another detailed and timeless effort that further solidifies the widely held opinion that he’s one of the greatest guitar players on our time.
Travels well with: Neave Trio- In Her Hands; David Leisner- Charms To Soothe