Acoustic guitarist Billy McLaughlin successfully combines technical prowess with musical sensitivity on FINGERDANCE. Throughout, McLaughlin serves the song and never is tempted by flash, glitz, or ego. This makes FINGERDANCE a very sincere, mature, and rewarding musical offering.
The native Minnesotan has long been celebrated for his adept finger tapping skills. On FINGERDANCE he puts this technique to work, sounding at times like a folksy version of Stanley Jordan. His unique approach to the guitar is best heard on the title track, "Fingerdance." Backed by some sparse percussion, McLaughlin mixes Celtic riffs with his own distinctive harmonic concepts. Another stunning track is "While She Sleeps." Here, McLaughlin sounds like two guitarists as he plays both a melody and a countermelody simultaneously. "Dreaming on a Runway" and the album's closer "Blaise's Ballad" show a more contemplative McLaughlin. On these solo guitar compositions, McLaughlin's style becomes more flowing and legato. Weaving together delicate melodies with wistful arpeggios, these pastoral pieces quickly become the album's highlights.