Although
Ken Hatfield is basically a jazz musician, he performs music on this solo set that falls between folk and classical while including some improvising. The first three pieces on this CD form the suite "The Gospel According to Sam" and the "Theme" and a dozen variations are "Snowhill Variations." Selections 17-19 form "String Theory" while the remainder of the program is "Borges & I." All of the music was composed by
Hatfield with two of the works featuring his solo guitar and one apiece having him dueting via overdubbing on guitar and either dobro or mandolin. His melodies and variations are generally charming and the music is accessible and somewhat easy-listening although never sleepy. Fans of the acoustic guitar will enjoy this outing. ~ Scott Yanow