uitarist Francis Doughty paints wonderful, impressionistic landscapes on his debut CD of original compositions. "Among Trees" is a deep forest meditation among mist-shrouded branches and sparkling multi-colored foliage.
There are shades of classical, ragtime and Hawaiian slack-key styles and an overall tone of reverence for nature and its beautiful mysteries.
"By Lantern Light" and "The Elm Tree" are exceptional compositions, showing Doughty's classical technique at its best. The tone and feel is a little like Villa-Lobos as played by John Renbourn, deeply resonant, crystal clear and rich with harmony. On "By Lantern Light" the cascading melodies evoke light refracted through the woods or shadows dancing around a campfire. The gorgeous, shifting melodies of "The Elm Tree" suggest a forest full of activity -- rustling leaves, chattering birds and gently falling rain-drops.
Doughty's playing on the dreamy and lush "Hermit Thrush" and "Button-girl" recalls the work of legendary Brazilian guitarist Bola Sete, with simple themes explored and developed organically and beautifully. "Gandalf's Guitar Garden" and "Jasper's in the Window" combine ragtime and slack-key influences in a more rhythmic style.
"Among Trees," expertly recorded by Bruce Kahn at Big Chair Creek Studio in Northfield, is a gem.
uitarist Francis Doughty paints wonderful, impressionistic landscapes on his debut CD of original compositions. "Among Trees" is a deep forest meditation among mist-shrouded branches and sparkling multi-colored foliage. 
