“Rapids flows like a river—fast, soothing, and hypnotic, carrying you along every twist and turn.”
Martin Lloyd Howard’s new solo guitar piece “Rapids” is a stunning example of how technical skill can meet expressive storytelling. Originally written as an exercise for left-hand dexterity, the track evolved into a full composition that mirrors the movement of water. It begins with a foaming, fast-paced rush over imagined rapids, then slows to swirl in gentle eddies and pools, before returning to cascading streams over rocky paths. Despite its speed and complexity, the piece has a calming, almost hypnotic quality, letting listeners picture themselves sitting by a riverside, carried along by the music.
Howard, an English guitarist trained in the classical tradition, has expanded his sound into folk, blues, and rock, both acoustic and electric. He performs primarily on a fifty-year-old handmade classical guitar, but his mastery of electric, steel-string acoustic, and slide guitar allows him to bring a rich palette of textures to his work. “Rapids” is part of a series aimed at filling a gap in the market for accessible, original music for classical and nylon-string guitars, bridging technical artistry with listening pleasure.
Martin’s collaborations, including work with Mark Johnson of The Midnight River Crew, demonstrate his versatility and commitment to ensemble and solo projects alike. This track reflects his skill in creating intricate instrumental music that is both visually and emotionally evocative, without ever feeling overworked. For guitar enthusiasts, “Rapids” offers both inspiration and a moment of musical escape. It’s a piece that rewards repeated listening, revealing subtle shifts and textures with every play.
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English