For all people who appreciate great music, and especially for you guitarists out there, please check out D'Gary.  He is a acoustic guitar phenom from Madagascar.  I think David Lindley and Henry Kaiser brought him to public attention about 10 years ago with their great World Music CD featuring various artists from Madagascar. 

What is amazing about D'Gary, is that even in standard tuning, the sound is so resonant you will think he's using open or altered tunings (he does on some tunes).   The rhythmic approach is mind boggling.  A combination of muting and percussive textures that just groove, while he has these gorgeous melodies repeating.  The melodies are reminscent of the South African sound, but the technique is unlike anything I have ever heard before.  He also sings very well, and does some great vocal harmonies.  The music is beautifully intense, and well...transcendent.  I can nearly hear the waves of the Indian Ocean breaking on Cape St. Marie.  Kinda makes you want to cry, laugh, sing and dance all at the same time!

Check out:

1. Long Way Home with Dama and D'Gary

2. Mbo Loza  ..D'Gary   (Indigo Label 1997).

Gene