Steve’s acoustic fingerstyle albums are available on Bandcamp and come with extensive PDF booklets with transcriptions of all the music in both notation and guitar tablature.
Click on an album cover for more details. (Scroll down for reviews)
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| Circles of Light (2024) | Island of Woods (2023) | The Boatman (2021) |
Reviews for CIRCLES OF LIGHT
“If I were a musical alchemist, looking for the perfect recipe or blend of Celtic instrumental acoustic guitar music, I would start with a big dollop of Tony McManus, add a pinch of Robin Bullock, a dash of Al Petteway, a Smidgen of El Mcmeen, and a heaping tablespoon or two of John Doyle, then mix and bake. When the oven door was finally opened, the end result would surely sound much like Steve Gibb’s third album of acoustic instrumentals, Circles of Light. Although half of the 14 tracks on the album are original compositions, a fine Celtic essence permeates every graceful note that emanates from his fine fretwork, which has an effortless and pristine quality.
Gibb possesses an extraordinary talent for interpretation and arrangement evidenced in his renditions of Fiddler Adam Sutherland’s “Squall,” Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds “Samans,” Phil Cunningham’s “The Pearl,” and the delightful Shadows tune “Blue Sky, Blue Sea, Blue Me.” His original compositions are just as exemplary. There is an organic continuity and unity present throughout this album. It might have something to do with the recording, which was completed over three nights. Gibb’s technique and overall musical acumen are impressive, but there is no need to understand what he is doing to enjoy the gifts of artistry and performance. Quite simply, sonic splendor abounds in Circles of Light.”
- © James Filkins (minor7th.com)
“Once again I’m floored by your beautiful playing” – Liz Carroll
““Good” doesn’t do the music, or Steve Gibb’s arranging/playing/recording any justice. These are the words I’m looking for: amazing, superb, uplifting, transcendent, and absolutely unbelievable. Circles of Light is the perfect marriage of skill and emotional expression; a body of work that bonds with you immediately, and elicits a need to return and derive more wonder from its always-giving fountain of layered musicality. You will love it, be drawn into it, and be uplifted or saddened by it. If you want your music to encapsulate every feeling – to be moved by every feeling – then Steve Gibb’s Circles of Light is your new emotional masterpiece. HIGHLY recommended. ” – Jess Chizuk (The Ark of Music)
Reviews for ISLAND OF WOODS
“I so love the recording you did of The Island of Woods! You’re a beautiful player and I couldn’t be more delighted hearing your rendition.” – Liz Carroll
“Dive into the realm of audible magic with Steve Gibb’s ‘Island of Woods’ – an exhibition of virtuoso guitar brilliance filled with grace, grief, and a staggering emotional depth that resonates long after the last note.
Island of Woods is an album of flat-out, incontestable virtuoso guitar playing – an album filled with brilliantly reworked standards and a sprinkling of bright, springy, and dramatic originals.
Is Island of Woods a good album? No, it’s an AMAZING album with a grieving, gracious guitar spilling more emotion than it has any right to. It’s truly a vessel for the brilliance of its player, and I still can’t shake the 30-billion feelings it soaked me with. Highly recommended? OhmyGod – YES!” – Jess Chuzik (The Ark of Music)
Reviews for THE BOATMAN
“Beautiful, deep, and soulful, The Boatman is a winner on every level.” – Blair Jackson (Acoustic Guitar Magazine)
“If there can be such a thing as the perfect solo fingerstyle guitar album, The Boatman is surely a candidate.” – © David Pedrick (Minor7th.com)
“The Boatman is a fingerstyle guitar masterpiece, and Steve Gibb is the brilliant mind at the helm. Do your ears (and soul) a favor – put this album on and allow yourself to get lost in the otherworldly, ethereal, jaw-dropping melodies and compositions that are its absolute foundation.” – Jess Chizuk (The Ark of Music)
“A work of effortless Celtic Magic. This truly solo album marks Gibb out as a world class finger style player. An absolute must for your collection. Listen to Gibb and be inspired, his examples here are truly exemplary” – Seán Laffey – (Irish Music Magazine)
“That is wonderful! Your performance sounds amazing good!!! I like your guitar version very much.” – Michael Korb (co-writer of HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL)
“You made a lovely version and I really like your sound and playing.” – Roger Tallroth (composer of JOSEFIN’S DOPVALS)