Tony Geballe - Native of the Rain (1997)

This collection of solo acoustic-guitar performances will delight fans of both guitar music and relaxing New Age. A virtuoso on the 12-string, Tony Geballe may well be the Andres Segovia of the adult-contemporary instrumental set. His compositions are intricate, lilting, and technically stunning. In their ambition, seriousness, grace, and balance, Geballe's pieces recall classical music, yet his melodies are immediately accessible, and there are touches of folk, bluegrass, and ambient as well. Many of the tracks, like the title cut and "Pages," have a shimmering sound that washes over the listener in a way that refreshes and soothes. This is beautiful, inviting music.