MacPherson, Norm: Blue Sky After Pleasant Rain

Norm Macpherson is a Canadian musician who resides in Victoria, BC. I first became aware of the name as he plays guitar in The Gardening Club, a band led by Martin Springett. As a matter of fact Martin was kind enough to send me this CD, so let’s get to it shall we.

MacPherson has been a professional musician for decades and has played in many bands in the Vancouver area such as Blues X Five and Moxie. He also plays bassoon in the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, the Victoria Chamber Orchestra and The Victoria Civic Orchestra. Although mostly known for his guitar MacPherson is obviously a highly skilled instrumentalist. On his most recent album titled Blue Sky After Pleasant Rain he plays acoustic, slide and electric guitars, bassoon and keyboards. On the album MacPherson rearranged some of his favourite classical pieces for guitar, works by artists such as Beethoven, Bach, Dvorak, Handel and Mahler are featured. MacPherson proves to be an exceptional guitarist, both on acoustic and electric. His arrangements are reflective and thoughtful and his slide work is beyond reproach. The lovely acoustic guitar solo in “Largo, Symphony No 9� showcases his tasteful finesse and the moody atmospheric notes in the title track, his own composition, demonstrates the mastery this artist possesses. Electric guitar solos are also highlighted; his guitar work in Beethoven’s “Allegretto, Symphony No 7� and Gabriel Faure’s “Pavane� is outstanding.

I have enjoyed this disc immensely. Although initially unassuming, the details of the arrangements and the guitarist’s talent are further revealed upon each successive listen. Very much recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Largo, Symphony No 9
2. Blue Sky After Pleasant Rain
3. Air
4. Allegretto, Symphony No 7
5. Pavane
6. The Sussex Mummer’s Carol
7. Gnossienne No 1
8. Wilkie’s Lament
9. Adagietto, Symphony No 5
10. O Mio Babbino Caro
11. Sarabande
12. Suo Gan

Added: November 25th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 659
Language: english

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