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Reviewed by Bing Turkby

Mike Hogan, Christopher Hill: Dark To Light

Reviewed by Bing Turkby

Mike Hogan, Christopher Hill: Dark To Light

There are those who profess to value feel above technical ability, but one listen to this album will show that when you have both the results are exponentially more powerful. There’s something about a well-recorded classical guitar being wielded by a gifted player that resonates and NZ Guitar Quartet member Christopher Hill‘s playing is very impressive, doubtless the result of a lot of study and practice. One instrument; a little reverb, head, heart and hands – that’s a combination that speaks directly to one’s soul. Kudos to recording genius Lee Prebble, his Neumann U67/U68, his AKG 414 and his ears. Mike Hogan‘s Honours degree in composition is evidently well-earned as the works on this album are mesmerising and beautiful. They range from the large-format Matariki Suite to smaller, self-contained pieces. Judicious use of space gives real emotional weight to each note. I lack the technical knowledge to properly critique work such as this, so I’ll just say that no matter how clever the voicings or runs of notes, a novice like me can still listen and be moved.