Bruce Mathiske

"This Australian steel-string guitarist demonstrates formidable fingerstyle technique and writing skills as he cuts a wide swath through such musical styles as swing, boogie blues, samba and nuevo flamenco. Mathiske’s playing is characterized by a powerful, crisp attack; attention to tone; and an ability to maintain his lyrical phrasing on up-tempo dazzlers (like his remarkable, raggy, jazzy version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow") as well as slower material such as the beautiful and moody original "Soft Day In Athlone." This is an addictive CD from a player with a broad, quirky musical imagination and the chops to express it."