"Acoustik Guitar" is John H. Clarke's most ambitious album production yet. The voyage of turning a continually evolving concept into reality took nearly two years. After many revisions and a lot of work the results are well worth the wait.

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Once the music was all written and decided upon, John went on a search for a special guitar just for this album. He wanted the sound to be rich and beautiful. He finally found what he was looking for, a "Rodriguez" by acclaimed guitar maker Kenny Hill. After playing it in the shop for just a few minutes John knew it was the nicest sounding guitar he had ever laid his hands on.

But having the right sounding guitar is only part of achieving great sound. The knowledge of how to capture the true essence of the guitar in a recording is also critical. John needed an expert engineer/producer that specialized specifically in recording nylon string guitar. He was fortunate to find that one of the best in the field actually lived nearby. John began the recording process with Vincent Go of VGo Recordings in October 2006.

The CD is divided into three sections.

Part I has five songs arranged for small ensemble. The primary instrument (the guitar of course) is accompanied by a tasteful and simple collection of acoustic instruments including: cello, upright bass, violins, percussion, and a few other subtle surprises. The music in Part I is lively, incorporating rhythmic strumming and interwoven melodic lines. John's techniques are similar to those found in the Flamenco and Latin American guitar playing traditions. A lot of John's music is akin to the likes of Rodrigo Y Gabriella, Gypsy Kings, and Ottmar Liebert.

Part II is purely solo guitar featuring spanish and classical guitar favorites such as Malaguena and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. John's performance of these pieces is in inspired by and in the vein of great classical guitarists such as Segovia, Julian Bream, and John Williams.

Part III is made up of five improvisational pieces for two guitars. The idea behind this section is the value of spontaneous communication on a musical level. Instead of being composed and premeditated, the music is "told" much like someone telling you a story about their life. These are introspective, melodic, and provocative works that will engage your imagination.

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"Your videos on YouTube are a real inspiration for me to keep playing ...Don't be shy to charge more for your CD - I would easily pay $20!" -Wayne Koorts, New Zealand

"I loved your CD and its exactly what I was looking for." -Jessica Peralta, California, USA

"I just wanted you to know that I absolutely ADORE your music. I bought your CD....I listen to it during the day, and before I sleep. I just think it's cool." -James Bruno

"I had business trip S. F. last week and I heard some beautiful melody. That was a Guitar sound you were playing. It was so beautiful." -Jason Lee, Korea

"I would like to tell that your guitar has a magic to make people forget what they have in their minds, and it forces people to think in positive way." -Ahmet Gokhan, Turkey

"Love it... off the hook... or should I say off the strum! This album has a soul, alive with emotional journeys. Wow you have a great gift my friend. Amazing talent but this already known, This album shows your concentration and dedication to your musical gifts."

-Rudy Gonzalez, Arizona, USA