GUITAR TECHNIQUES Magazine Talk of acoustic virtuosi and Aussie genius Tommy Emmanuel always looms large. But we have our own amazing acoustic instrumentalist - the 'acoustic Guthrie Govan' as we at GT like to call Clive Carroll. The Furthest Tree is a gem of a record, and one that it's easy to forget is a solo acoustic affair (they can be a bit 'worthy', or too much about the technique). But no, this is a feast of great music, including a heartfelt tribute to his Abbot Ale drinking mentor John 'The Abbot' Renbourn: the bonkers A Winter Carol consists of two different melodies played at once (Clive conceived then had to learn it!). Also featured is a beautiful classical duet with John Williams, where the two duel (in the nicest possible way) on A Renaissance Suite. The technical mastery is staggering, yet never gets in the way of the music, which is sublime throughout. Support your local talent! 4 Stars
Guitarist presents ACOUSTIC This is Clive Carroll's first album release since 2009's Life in Colour and details the instrumental fingerstylist's compositional trail since that time. If you've read our interview with Clive in this issue (see p56) then you'll already be aware of some of the features on the new album - the fact that classical superstar John Williams guests on the album's centrepiece, A Renaissance Suite, for instance. It would be different to pin any particular style on Mr Carroll as some tracks have a slight touch of bluesiness to them, whereas others veer more to the classical side of the music spectrum. There's some amazing virtuosity here, too; take the track A Winter Carol where he plays two entirely different tunes at once on the same fretboard - and that's just for starters. There's the energetic and quirky Adventures of Wilfred, and a beautiful ballad in Lady of the Valley, just two examples of Clive's virtuosic approach from the album's hoard of treasure. Look out for solo concerts in the near future and a tour with Tommy Emmanuel in the new year - now that's something you can't afford to miss! [DM] Standout track: The Adventures of Wilfred For fans of: Michael Hedges, John Renbourn 9/10
TOTAL GUITAR Magazine British acoustic maestro Clive Carroll has always pushed the boundaries of the instrument, and that's clearly in evidence on his fourth album - a collection of acoustic fingerstyle pieces written, in the main, over the last five years. A true virtuoso with a stunningly clean technique, Carroll blends his influences seamlessly as The Furthest Tree moves from its hymnal opener through the blues tinged In the Deep, the Celtic ballad vibe of Lady of the Valley and the classically-inspired A Renaissance Suite - a five-part duet with classical guitar legend John Williams. One of Clive's party pieces, A Winter Carol, also makes an appearance - it's a truly unsettling track, comprising two melodies in different keys and tempos, but arranged for solo guitar. We're not sure what's scarier - the horror-film harmonies or the fact that Clive can actually play it! The fleet-fingered and folky technical workout of The Adventures of Wilfred has a lighter mood and puts us in mind of some of the fiery playing on 2004's The Red Guitar. Clive's fans are a devoted bunch and will likely enjoy every sublimely delivered note here. Newer listeners may find Clive's 2009 album, Life in Colour an easier introduction to this incredible player. Chris Bird 4 Stars
ACOUSTIC Magazine A familiar name to Acoustic readers, Clive toured with John Renbourn for two years, and it's the ghost of the much missed guitarist that stalks the opening instrumental 'The Abbot's Hymn', a fusion of folk, classical and blues lines, that somehow mesh into a glorious melodic suspense. An album that continually rings the changes, it's also one with a sense of fun. So a frenetic fret workout like 'The Adventures of Wilfred', lives happily alongside the delicate pastoral beauty of 'Lady of the Valley', or the Renaissance Suite', a set of five duets with John Williams. It's sensational instrumental music that knows no boundaries. JP
GUITARIST Magazine Acoustic fingerstylist's latest virtuoso release It's been a while since we heard from Clive Carroll - 2009's Life in Colour having established him as one of the foremost acoustic players around today. But it was worth the wait, because The Furthest Tree is an absolute gem. The album begins with a tribute to Clive's mentor, John Renbourn, who passed away last year. Entitled The Abbot's Hymn (Renbourn was known as 'The Abbot' because of his fondness for an East Anglian ale of the same name), it's a wonderful introduction to an album chock full of superb playing and outstanding compositions. Take, for instance, A Renaissance Suite, an eight-minute classically influenced duet with special guest, John Williams. Then there's The Adventures of Wilfred, an up-tempo fretboard workout that highlights Carroll's fleet-fingered fretboard abilities to the max. As far as skill beyond the call of duty is concerned, check out the track A Winter Carol, on which Clive plays two separate melodies together on the same fretboard, and listen in wonder! [DM] Standout track: Lady of the Valley For fans of: Michael Hedges, John Renbourn 8/10
