Twisted Nerve Rec. 
Voice Of The Seven Woods (UK,2007)****
After having heard 2 splendid EP’s I looked forward very much to hear the first full release of the group. Voice of The Seven Woods is lead by guitarist Rick Tomlinson who also plays oud, sitar, piano, percussion and sings one song. He’s accompanied by Chris Walmsley on percussion and piano, and Pete Hedley on electric bass and violin.
The album is not focused on the guitar, but slightly improvises, smoothly from one section to the next in different styles of his interest, from Indian raga, to Middle Eastern rock to a troubadour song context, to improvised electric guitars and then also real acoustic guitar music. The changes, from section to section, sound logical and have a bit more of a rock context than I’m used to hearing from an acoustic guitarist. The guitar is used as an instrument, a tool, and nothing more, as well as the Middle Eastern, Indian, rock or whatever context. It is just fun and a pleasure to be there, while the skilful playing reveals sufficiency outside a technical context, showing nothing more than is needed, perhaps only a bit more rock context, just for the pleasure of playing this.
video's of live sessions on youtube here & here (and see further links there)
