"Thomas conjured a wonderfully rich world from his instrument in this
spellbinding concert. Anyone interested in the best of what's being written
for the contemporary guitar should seek out Alan Thomas, who exudes
confidence and pleasure in his inspired playing and repertoire."
Classical Guitar (England)
"A tone of gravitas is immediately apparent in the Trio Sefardi by frequent
Cavatina collaborator Alan Thomas, aided by the addition of cello to the duo.
Each of the three movements is based on a Sephardic song. Thomas' music is
compositionally sophisticated, but without any sacrifice of power or urgency.
The longest movement is the first, free variations on a song of lamentation.
The next two movements, while shorter and lighter in tone add to a work which
is an important addition to the repertoire." Soundboard magazine
"Alan Thomas was the excellent soloist in the premiere of his own Rhapsody
on a Spanish Theme for Guitar and Orchestra - a three-movement work of
lush harmonies and memorable melodies written in a rich, romantic style that
pays homage to Rachmaninov. It was very appealing and enjoyable, with the
composer making ingenious use of the work's opening theme."
Leicester Mercury newspaper (England)
"What strikes one most about this collection are Thomas's bold
arrangements. Thomas takes the feverishly adolescent exuberance of "She
Loves You" and transforms it into a lovely, achy, mature love song. It's a
completely fresh reading and beautiful -- and it's pure genius."
Minor7th.com
"Alan Thomas is an intelligent and meticulous performer who applies his
innovative approach and vision to probe the guitar's greatest depths."
Yeniyuzyil (Istanbul)
"…a player of great technical facility. The MacDowell transcriptions were
excellent and the Rodrigo pieces rousing."
Soundboard (USA)
"The guitar in the hands of this master effortlessly conveyed the stylistic
contrasts and overcame the most daunting technical difficulties."
Musica Viva (Sofia)
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the concert was the emergence of
the electric guitar in music which owed little or nothing to blues or rock
sources. Laurence Crane's Bobby J. evoked Robert Fripp's early
experiments in guitar ambience in spirit, if not in substance, while the
prevailing toccata motion of Ian Moore's Chantefables had an almost
Baroque agility under Alan Thomas's fingers.
musicweb-international.com
"…vast personal and musical charm… Alan Thomas's concert programs
are distinguished by a masterly virtuosity, exceptional expressiveness, and
a unique and inimitable style."
The Azerbaijan (Baku)
"The Per Norgard highlights [of the Huddersfield Contemporary Music
Festival] all came on a Sunday morning concert by the guitarist Alan
Thomas. Exploiting all the guitar's richness, Jack of Diamonds was
dispatched with strutting yet sensitive style."
The Times (London)
Alan Thomas played brilliantly [in Evis Sammoutis's] Alter Ego 1, which
explored that instrument's possibilities, melodic, percussive and harmonic,
with scordatura to enhance overtones through sympathetic resonance.
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