The Mandolin Concerto No.1 in G that begins the CD just dances from the word go. No Italianate tremolos here, the mandolin almost sounds funky and very English in places too. This is a lovely work that I have returned to a number of times and that is a first because I generally don't like the mandolin very much, or at least not the way other people have written for it previously!

Letter from LA is different again, with a gently swaying first movement, a rhythmic lilting second movement that hits you and stays, an exotic and almost sensual third movement and a rollicking final movement with multiple strums and percussive effects throughout. A truly original and excitingly performed guitar trio which any established trio ought to seek out and try: the audience will love it!

The Carabella Suite uses two metal strung guitars to great effect. One could see how the middle movement for instance which uses the Dobro Slide guitar simply would not work on the classical instrument but this matters little as Chadwick uses the instruments so idiomatically. The Final movement Commuter Cowboys is a real blast.

Three Kisses for Jenny is for harp and string orchestra and shows off Chadwick's skill in composing for instruments other than the guitar: here is a delightful work that would grace any concert.

The only non Chadwick composition is the final Quintet in A by Richard Charlton which is a large work involving the guitar and string quartet, where real interplay is required throughout to make the piece work. Whereas the work is not as immediate in getting under one's skin, one find that after a few plays it's more introverted qualities are a good contrast at this point in the recording and as a result is placed in exactly the right spot on the CD.

I loved this CD from start to finish and provided you, the reader are not biased against anything not entirely traditional in style, then here is a CD that you will put on again and again. Every track is entirely different and yet every track is wonderful music. Go to your local shop and have a listen and then be prepared to spend your money on it.