Wall Matthews & Aleta Greene - The Color of Dusk (2021)

"The Color of Dusk" (2021) is a refined solo album by American guitarist and composer Wall Matthews, known for his work with the avant-garde folk group The Art Ensemble of Cape Cod and his collaborations with pianist Howard Sills.

The album is based on virtuosic, subtle fingerpicking, blending the traditions of John Fahey and Leo Kottke with elements of impressionistic classical music. Matthews uses 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, periodically adding delicate keyboard textures and spatial sound effects.

The title "The Color of Dusk" aptly describes the mood of the record—a quiet, reflective, and warm immersion in nature's pre-twilight state. The music is built on soft harmonies, the natural resonance of wood, and pauses that allow the sound to "breathe."

The album plays like a single, meditative narrative. The melodic lines aren't overloaded with unnecessary technique for the sake of technique—the emphasis is on the expressiveness of each note, the dynamics of the strings, and the cinematic quality.