Old Friends, New Friends Explained

Old Friends, New Friends is an album by guitarist Ralph Towner, recorded in July 1979 and released on ECM Records in November of the same year. The quintet features trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, cellist David Darling and rhythm section Eddie Gómez and Michael Di Pasqua.^[2]

Critical reception

The New York Times wrote that the album "voices trumpet, cello, bass and drums with the leader's rich acoustic guitar and piano in a variety of subtle and original combinations."^[3]

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow called the album "an intriguing set well worth several listens."^[4]

Track listing

All compositions by Ralph Towner

1. "New Moon" - 7:27
2. "Yesterday and Long Ago" - 7:51
3. "Celeste" - 4:54
4. "Special Delivery" - 7:04
5. "Kupala" - 8:05
6. "Beneath an Evening Sky" - 7:00

Personnel

• Ralph Towner – twelve-string guitar, classical guitar, piano, French horn
• Kenny Wheeler – trumpet, flugelhorn
• David Darling – cello
• Eddie Gómez – bass
• Michael Di Pasqua – drums, percussion

Notes and References

1. Web site: Old Friends, New Friends . .
2. http://www.ecmrecords.com/Catalogue/ECM/1100/1153.php? ECM discography
3. News: Palmer . Robert . A Jazz Label Changes Direction . The New York Times . 18 Nov 1979 . D33.
4. Yanow, S. AllMusic Review accessed September 14, 2011