Follow the Sun is the sixth album from guitarist, composer and lutenist David Lindsay, and I’m very happy to say that I’ve reviewed them all! Co-produced by David Lindsay and Gary Honess at Kuhl Muzik in Toronto, Canada, the twelve tracks on the album include nine original guitar solos played on acoustic classical guitars, electric guitar and bass; three tracks are duets with Premik Russell Tubbs playing the lyricon (wind synthesizer); and programming is by Gary Honess. All of the tracks are exceptional, but the guitar solos go even farther to express feelings of honesty, openness and deep emotion. Several are bittersweet and even sad. I have enjoyed all of David’s previous albums (all were produced and recorded at Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios and featured many of the musicians that often appear on Ackerman’s productions), but this one seems especially heart-opening and personal.

Follow the Sun begins with the title track, a very spare and introspective piece in two movements or sections. The first movement is solo guitar and the second is a haunting duet with Premik Russell Tubbs on the lyricon (wind synthesizer). “The Narrow Path” is also a two-movement work. The first part is a dark and very soulful solo that becomes more intense near the end. The second section is somewhat lighter, but also very mysterious. “Stepping Stones” could be symbolic of moving through life “one step at a time,” or it could be a peaceful musical illustration of a gentle stream with rocks that make crossing the water without getting wet easier. Either way, the piece is relaxed, introspective and very beautiful. “Open Air” is the second duet with Tubbs and is fresh and warm - perhaps inspired by a quiet, sunny day enjoying nature. “The Pleiades” leaves quiet openings between many of the notes, suggesting vast open space and darkness. “Glass Soul” is both delicate and very fragile with atmospheric sounds behind the candid and deeply emotional guitar - a favorite! I love the title “Moon Climbing,” as it suggests so many different things. The music itself is peaceful and very relaxed with just a touch of bittersweet - I really like this one, too! “Night Comes” is the third duet for guitar and lyricon. It begins as a peaceful guitar solo, with the gentle lyricon entering about a third of the way in - dreamy and very soothing! One of the things that is espeically interesting about “Point of Light” is that the sound of David’s breathing in the quietest passages becomes part of the music. Very open and soulful, it’s my favorite track on the album. Follow the Sun comes to a serene close with “Skye,” one of the lighter tracks on the album and a sweet bit of musical sunshine.

Follow the Sun is available to download and stream from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Both thumbs up!