Just as I was inspired as an innovative woodworker, my other passion for playing guitar (apart from building my first instrument when I was 17) comes from dreams and inspiration, originally from listening on vinyl records to Chet Atkins, the Shadows, the Beatles, Django Rheinhardt, Carlos Jobim and Santana. And not to forget later on - Gary Moore. This is my personal Top Ten selection of favourite songs played by the leaders in the field who push the enveloppe in what the instrument can do. I have added to this list (for fun) two of the 'greats' who by chance I got to jam with, who demonstrated music is for sharing by their generosity of spirit. I am adding comments below. Please add yours.


1 Top of my list is a truly innovative interpration of one of my all time favourite song 'Things We Said Today' (Beatles). In fact I did not recognize the song at first when I listened to the extraordinary interpretation by Joscho Stephan.
For those not familiar with the original 1962 classic song, my less ambition interpretation is below. George Harrison was one of my guitar heros.
2 Two of the most innovative and technically proficient guitar players in the world Bireli Lagraine and Luc Sylvain (who sadly died at time of compiling this) express the sheer joy of 'playing' and interpreting a classic Stevie Wonder song 'Isnt She Lovely'. Just watch how they interact with each other, feeding off each other? What is the word I am looking for?
3 Ex Thin Lizzie guitarist Gary Moore is the blues rock guitarist's guitarist. Close your eyes and compare the greats and Gary Moore always touches the heart a little closer. Still Got The Blues is my favourite but its a close call with Parisienne Walkways. Gary explored the sound that an electric guitar can produce only matched by Jeff Beck (ex Yardbirds). Gary - a master of 'disortion' and often in 'overdrive'! Sadly both are no longer with us
4 Santana
5 Ex Thin Lizzie guitarist Gary Moore is the blues rock guitarist's guitarist. Close your eyes and compare the greats and Gary Moore always touches the heart a little closer. Still Got The Blues is my favourite but its a close call with Parisienne Walkways. Gary explored the sound that an electric guitar can produce only matched by Jeff Beck (ex Yardbirds). Gary - a master of 'disortion' and often in 'overdrive'! Sadly both are no longer with us
6 Robin Nolan gives this rare interpretation of a Beatles classic 'And I love her'. After an almost George Harrison Ravi Shankar intro the melody is revealed at 1:23.
7 Ex Thin Lizzie guitarist Gary Moore is the blues rock guitarist's guitarist. Close your eyes and compare the greats and Gary Moore always touches the heart a little closer. Still Got The Blues is my favourite but its a close call with Parisienne Walkways. Gary explored the sound that an electric guitar can produce only matched by Jeff Beck (ex Yardbirds). Gary - a master of 'disortion' and often in 'overdrive'! Sadly both are no longer with us
8 The creative synergy of two all time greats of the guitar Stoscho Stephan and Tommy Emanuel slowing down the tempo and soulfully interpreting a classic song by probably the greatest pop band of all time.
9 Delivering both chords and melody at once and hence the complete song on the classical nylon strung guitar deserves mention here and also because the chosen song Desafinado by Tom Jobin is one of the most popular Bosanova classics and a particulary difficult song to learn. Here it is beautifully played by flamenco guitarist Salvador Castillo.
10 When you close your eyes and listen to this amazing song it is like an adventurous journey in the mind with unexpected twists and turns. Composed in 1999 I have added a studio sound recording here. Robin Nolan kindly allowed me to use this song for one of my YouTube videos exploring the nooks and crannies of Bath on a scooter.