The Gates of Gnomeria

Best song is by far EBON COAST. Awesome technique. If I could play this song I would be extremely happy. 2 hands up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andy McKee is a phenomenal guitarist. His first couple albums (fantastic, 5 stars, buy them now) sound simple and beautiful. Songs such as "for my Father" and "Heather's Song" just to name a few, feautre beautiful playing with very careful and subtle phrasings that are just haunting to listen to. On this Album, Andy brings the same incredible chops to the table but seems to mature a little bit. While his previous albums are not immature in the least, this album has a little extra added in - an undeniable sense of groove. Songs such as Ebon Coast and Venus as a Girl and Dependant Arising and A Sphere bring still awe-inspiring guitar playing and add slightly more effects and on Dependant Arising and A Sphere, a fretless bass (which has always been one of my favorite sounds in music). These added touches make this album more modern sounding, and more groovable. While his previous albums were perfect for chilling and reflecting (still possible with Gates of Gnomeria on songs such as I'll Be Over You) this album is also perfect for late-night driving because it has that subtle ethereal sound and a sense of groove. A step forward for Andy in my opinion. Very fun to listen to and a perfect balance to his other albums. If you were a fan of Andy McKee before, buy this album. Without a doubt you will find reasons to love it. If you are not already a fan of Andy McKee, then why not start now?

After listening and reading all the reviews I was surprised no one mentioned Michael Hedges. They are so similar you might think they knew each other. I don't know how old Andy is, but it sounds as if he was influence by Michael. I was luck enough to get to see Michael Hedge shortly before he died and was amazed by his live performance. I can only think Andy McKee would be just as amazing live.

Just saw Andy perform at Skips Music Sacramento. Andy's music, and playing just absolutely terrific. Spellbinding! Came home bought all of his albums!

I have been waiting for me from Andy McKee for a while and he did not let me down. This guy is the best guitar player and writer of great music that I have run accross in a very long time

When I first listened to the first song "The Gates of Gnomeria", I was immediately drawn into the album. Andy catches you with this slow yet mysterious tune and draws you into the album. The songs are great and show that there is no such thing as impossiblity to Andy Mckee. I recommend this album but you should also chec out his other albums too. This CD is much more mysterious and somewhat dark (and cheerful at some points) than the other albums he has made but it is still amazing to here his great skill shared to us. Buy it!

I wanted to give this album 10 stars but I could only give it 5. Excellent musician.

Andy McKee always goes all out with his music and inspires me with it.

You know what...I was really disappointed. There was something about Andy's first album that was truly stunning to me, it spoke! Screamed! And I eagerly bought this one, hoping for more of the same....for some reason, when i listen to this, all I hear is elevator music. Also bought it in part because of the cover of Venus as a Girl, reaffirming the fact that the problem with Bjork covers is that they lack Bjork. I didn't really like any of these songs, I'm sorry to say.

I'm a very recent Andy McKee fan. I happen to stumble across his work on YouTube when a few of his videos received some spotlight. This was truly a discovery. I know there are artists before him that sound very similar so he'll receive some rap, from time-to-time, for not being original on his style, but those pupils, the dish-ers of "Rap" are old. It's going to be fun witnessing this lad advancing as he ages and his music matures. I think you will find that his music as it reaches the days beyond recall, sounds just as good as the day you first heard his music.