“RIDE THE WIND HORSE: AMERICAN GUITAR MUSIC.”...

“RIDE THE WIND HORSE: AMERICAN GUITAR MUSIC.” Benjamin Verdery, guitar. Newport Classic NPD 85509 (CD). This important recording is distinguished by fluent, evocative playing of strong, characterful repertory. Anthony Newman’s richly detailed, two-movement vehicle provides the title, but Roberto Sierra’s darkling, pungent “Toccata y Lamento” is the real find here. Lou Harrison’s big, seductive, utterly idiosyncratic Serenade would be better known if didn’t require the services of a percussionist, and Verdery and C.J. Everett make its case with suave authority. David Leisner’s representative Four Pieces are graceful charmers, and Verdery fills out his program with his own gently moody “In Memory” and creatively gimmicky arrangements of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing” and “Purple Haze.”