GW 932 reviewed in Dirty Linen!

John Low has made a career out of learning the vanishing fingerpicking guitar styles of Central Africa, and he teaches nine pieces by five of the greatest innovators from Zaire, Kenya and Tanzania. Low is an excellent teacher, and the video contains material that will be accessible to relative neophytes along with techniques that will benefit more advanced guitarists.

The unusual picking patterns and rhythms of the material Low teaches could conceivably be adapted to a variety of different styles as well. Low is accompanied on many of the selections by vocalist/Nehi bottle player Ffranz Maathusi and Rolling Rock bottle player Keith Jackman, who provide authentic backing for Low's pieces. Although all three musicians have absorbed their respective styles well, and render the material with passion and respect, it remains a bit unsettling to see three European Caucasians teaching these African styles.

Those looking for the original versions might want to consult another video, African Guitar (Vestapol 13017dvd), which consists of field recordings of many of the artists whose material is taught here.