Solo Concert

If Keith Jarrett’s legendary The Köln Concert had a guitar equivalent, then it might sound like Ralph Towner’s Solo Concert. Recorded in October 1979 on stages in Munich and Zürich, it consists mainly of Towner’s sprawling originals, ranging from the opening deep dive that is “Spirit Lake” to the less harmonically inclined “Chelsea Courtyard.” Switching between 12-string and classical instruments, he lays himself bare in every note. His takes on tunes by others, especially “Nardis” by Miles Davis and a dedicatory waltz by John Abercrombie, are timeless. A rare confluence of writing, performing, and recording.