Here’s a couple of tracks that I think are two brilliant instrumental guitar tracks. Some of the best ever penned. The first is very uplifting and joyous. Listening to it takes you through a journey, starting with delicate and haunting imagery that gives you a feeling of familiarity and an almost nostalgic comfort. And then the song builds and bursts into life — evoking feelings of optimism, friendship and good times. It finishes with a flurry — much like reading a book with the ending you hoped for. Just perfect.
The second track is a little hard to pin down. Simply put, it is a display of some of the most amazing guitar work. Yet for the entire song there are no histrionics, just a beautifully constructed song with the most perfect level of restraint the song deserves. This is a song that can relax you and it’s all about the mood, which I feel is about quiet reflection. The solos (guitar and piano) in the song are stunning, backed up by the appropriate level of musicianship from all the guys in the band.
So, what are these songs? Well the first goes by a couple of names: “Wild Theme” or “Going Home” and was written by the mighty Mark Knopfler. It was part of the sound track for the British film, Local Hero. I love Mark Knopfler — everything he writes is like a good book. So well put together and his playing I would describe as tasty. It always just seems so on the money. His construction and orchestration of songs is second to none. I always feel better after listening to this song. There are lots of different versions of it. Personally I like the versions that don’t have saxophone — I like hearing the song played entirely with the guitar. I’ve included the original and a favourite live version here.
The second is Riviera Paradise by Stevie Ray Vaughan. It was inspired by a (successful) stint in rehab. It’s a very different track for SRV and a brilliant fusion of Blues and Jazz. His band, Double Trouble are amazing on this track. I already wrote on Cheeky Cockatoo that I believe SRV was the GOAT of electric blues guitarists, and this is a song I just keep coming back to. The song seems so complex that I have trouble visualizing the song and hearing it in my head. Like I’ve forgotten it as soon as I’ve finished listening to it. It’s beautiful and some of the most chilled out music you can listen to. Again, I’ve included the recorded version and a live version here.
It really is amazing the imagery, mood and vibe that can be evoked without singing a word. It’s a testament to their musicianship and sheer talent. Unfortunately, Stevie left this world way too early, but thankfully Mark is still going strong. Take a listen and enjoy these wonderful songs. It’s musical purity.
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