Guitar America 250
Navona, 2026
9/10
The always impressive guitarist, Aaron Larget-Caplan, celebrates 250 years of America with these primarily solo pieces that span traditionals as well as covers by artists as diverse as Paul Simon and Eddie Van Halen.
“‘America’ From West Side Story” opens with Larget-Caplan’s playful and intricate guitar that draws us in immediately, and it isn’t long until “America, The Beautiful” radiates much emotion and warmth.
Further along, Irina Muresanu’s stirring violin complements the sophisticated guitar across the intimate “Adoration", while “Midnight Train” is strong on mood thanks to the meticulous guitar and bare moments.
Deeper still, “Mystic Flute, Op. 22”, the album’s best, showcases Larget-Caplan’s expressive and distinct playing, and on the last track, “Bill Of Rights, Amended”, he handles spoken word that’s a good reminder of what our actual rights are and will hopefully always be.
An effort that explores the ideals, contradictions, reinventions and dreams of the nation, other spoken word pieces by Charles Coe, Jeffrey Lependorf and Trevor Neal provide further insight into the artistry of this eloquent commemoration.
Travels well with: Aaron Larget-Caplan- Spanish Gems; Aaron Larget-Caplan- Spanish Candy