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Before My TimeThe debut recording of National Fingerpicking Guitar Champion, Todd Hallawell# Review of "Before My Time" Guitar Player Magazine Before My Time [Soundset] heralds the arrival of an extraordinary fingerpicker, Todd Hallawell. Winner of the 1997 National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in Winfield, Kansas, Hallawell attacks his Lance McCollum steel-strings with the precision of John Williams and punch of Jerry Reed. The disc's 14 instrumental tunes showcase his melodic clarity, bouncy swing feel, razor-sharp intonation, timbral diversity, and unerring technical accuracy. He has a restless musical soul: His solo selections include the spry classics "Brazil" and "Tico Tico," the harplike original "Leola Kay," and the funky "Reedology," as well as two superb, previously unrecorded compositions by Russian guitarist Nikita Koshkin. Hallawell also presents several duets-Reed's "Jiffy Jam" performed on baritone with sax accompaniment is a standout-three trios, and a sextet. His fat baritone rings again on John Fahey's "The Last Steam Engine Train" (played with guitarist Greg Sarena) and on the timeless Shaker tune "Simple Gifts," performed with Pat Kirtley, the '95 National Fingerstyle Guitar Champ. Gorgeous. Hallawell's righteous picking and rich arrangements sound so effortless and logical that it's easy to overlook his physical prowess. What can't be missed, however, is the music's scope-Before My Time soars, rumbles, whispers, and shouts. Each hearing reveals more detail and depth-truly stirring stuff. Andy Ellis
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From Nashville and BackTodd Hallawell's newest fingerstyle guitar album.Jon Chappell / Frets Magazine “With a Winfield National Championship under his belt and accolades from the likes of Doyle Dykes and Tommy Emmanuel, you might expect Todd Hallawell to dazzle you with virtuosity. And make no mistake, the guy can play. But when you listen to From Nashville and Back (Soundset Recordings), his second album of fingerstyle instrumentals, your reaction is more along the lines of, “What tone ... what sound ... what touch.” Hallawell, despite having monster-chops cred, is a tone freak.” Steve Klingaman / Minor 7th “Guitarist Todd Hallawell is a great player in the tradition of Chet Atkins. Part of his eminent reputation amongst guitarists is due to his association with the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society. Classically trained, Hallawell has also studied with such greats as classical guitar composer John Duarte... The elocution, the execution, and the inherent musicality of this artist's work becomes immediately apparent. Many of the figures found in his work are relatively common in pop and country traditions, but they are heard here as if completely fresh and unencumbered by earthbound fretting and pick attack. In short, he makes the competition sound clumsy... Hallawell is a player's player...with a seemingly effortless dexterity, he articulates notes as such, without the artifacts of effort. He's definitely a deacon in the Church of Chet.” Mark Casstevens “Here is a guy who manages to combine the best of several of my favorite players into a style all his own. And what tone! Todd’s unerring musical sense keeps your interest because his playing is above all – musical. His crisp attack and solid rhythmic groove are always there ... the arrangements joyful and conversational. It’s no wonder Todd is held in such high regard by the world’s top acoustic guitar soloists." Doyle Dykes "Todd Hallawell is one of the finest guitarists I've heard in years. His classically trained approach to the guitar, coupled with his own flawless techniques and arrangements make listening a pleasurable experience." Mason Williams “...an amazing guitarist” John Knowles, cgp "I love Todd's playing. He gets a great sound out of the guitar and has a real drive in his performance." John Duarte "...Todd Hallawell is ebullient, full of enthusiasm and creative ideas. To hear him play is a joyous experience. He swings! Todd always has something worth while to say and he has the chops he needs to say it....." Andy Ellis / Guitar Player Magazine "...Hallawell attacks his steel-strings with the precision of John Williams and punch of Jerry Reed...an extraordinary fingerpicker" Steve Klingaman / Minor 7th “Hallewell is a player's player...With a seemingly effortless dexterity, he articulates notes as such, without the artifacts of effort...In short, he makes the competition sound clumsy." Jon Chappell / Frets Magazine “What tone ... what sound ... what touch.” Alan Fark, Minor 7th "Todd performs "a collection of bouncy, cookin' and feel-good fingerstyle tunes which will blow you over if you listen carefully. To the casual listener, Hallawell churns out these contagious melodies seemingly effortlessly. But the magic of his playing is in hearing difficult riffs flow off his fretboard as fluidly as water flows downstream" The Acoustic Scene "...Exceptional guitar playing. It is easy to see why he had the 1997 title of champion, because he has truly mastered his instrument..."
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