Anthology

Thomas Dahlberg writes about Anthology, "Francis Kuipers has travelled the world for over thirty years, engaged in ethno-musical research, broadcasting, working as a composer and sound designer for film and, above all, performing. Although its roots are in blues and folk, his music is extraordinary, apart from his technique, in that it has evolved in a highly original manner, drawing inspiration from all of the music he has been immersed in. It is extraordinary too because, through his music, despite its being so unusual and its unfamiliarity, he is capable of communicating with, and generating great emotion, in a wide variety of audiences, irrespective of their culture and background. When he performs his improvisational pieces for solo guitar especially, his music defies any kind of label, an ever-evolving mixture of many different styles which form a oneness, harmonious and passionate, that is, at times, intensely moving. All the music forms he has assimilated from various periods of time and geographical areas mingle together to create a very personal, yet uniquely global language."