!!! NEW album AT FIRST LIGHT out on 17.3.2023 on ECM !!!

An ECM artist for his entire musical career, US guitarist Ralph Towner has built up a unique body of work in his recordings for the label. Central to his oeuvre are his solo albums, the first of which, Diary, was issued 50 years ago. At First Light extends this great tradition, drawing inspiration from a broad palette of music. “My solo recordings have always included my own compositions in which there are trace elements of the many composers and musicians that have attracted me,” writes Towner in a liner note, citing the influence of, among others, George Gershwin, John Coltrane, John Dowland and Bill Evans: “I feel that At First Light is a good example of shaping this expanse of influences into my personal music.” In addition to his own pieces, Towner also plays Hoagy Carmichael’s “Little Old Lady”, Jule Styne’s “Make Someone Happy” and the traditional tune “Danny Boy.” Recorded at Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI, Lugano, in February 2022, At First Light was produced by Manfred Eicher.

„Some other guitarists don`t just plug in the guitar but a whole paraphernalia of other equipment too.... and some other guitarists have big egos or make a lot of noise... and some other guitarists attempt to be invincible and defy the passing years. Ralph Towner in his solo shows plays acousitcally in front of a microphone. He is authentic, humble and disarmingly honest. And very special.“
(Sebastian Scotney, London Jazz News, 15.11.2021)