Quartz Recordings of Bethel, Vermont announces the release of Spencer Lewis’ 15th instrumental CD Vermont Serenades . It is a detailed recording of solo guitar and guitar/violin pieces - 22 songs in all - each like a vignette from the hollows of Vermont and the wellspring of the soul. So much a staple of Lewis’ successful formula, the violin accompaniment magnifies the inner melodies and, with understated elegance underscores the achingly gorgeous messages held within. Vermont Serenades moves in fluid succession from song to song - never lingering, always returning: from the sheer joy of New Love to the majestic stature of Vermont Serenade to the healing waves of Conversations with a Stone Wall, November, Epilogue and so many others.
It is no illusion that is flows like a soundtrack: five of the songs were written for and appear in the film documentary Stone Rising about the noted stonemason/artist and author Dan Snow. When filmmaker Camilla Rockwell requested ‘guitar only’ compositions it prompted Lewis to delve more deeply into all aspects of the acoustic guitar - a re-examination, as it were; from composition to recording and mastering that finally resulted in all new gear and a renewed commitment.
A lot of guitarist’ music exudes difficulty; Lewis’ music delivers a comfortable ease and calmness with a ‘deceptively simple’ cross flatpicking style all his own. Vermont Serenades uses 4 different guitars that allow for a unique approach to each element of inspiration. Residing firmly in the center is his famous 1971 Gurian J-B-3 (3 -piece backed Brazilian rosewood) that he purchased from Michael Gurian’s factory in Hinsdale, NH. This guitar has a loud and clear bell-tone quality that can quickly be heard in the first two tracks tntro and Vermont Serenade; then in Turns , Reflectin’ , and others throughout. For Spencer, the Gurian was a career defining guitar whose larger than life tone allowed him to concentrate on his inimitable cross-flat picking technique that could best utilize the rich tonal hues of the Gurian. Complementing the Gurian is a refurbished Martin D-18 that produces lithesome dancing images while the surprising strength of the Taylor 710ce enables the distinctive melody of the 21 Horse Lullaby to be played with stunning detail. His new Taylor 910CE-L7 debuts its radiating shades on the 910 Walk and the rare finger-picked track The Letter I Never Sent.
This CD returns Lewis to the format of his earliest recordings with a perfect balance of solo guitar and violin and guitar. It most assuredly will rest softly in the heart of any Spencer Lewis CD collection or will be a fine gateway for a first time discovery. Lewis music has always had an uncanny ability to allow the listener to hear the music inside themselves; to draw you in - yet remain invisible. When it gets you - it delivers; when it disappears - it’s never far away.
