Changes

Released in 1971, Changes represents a significant 'crossover' moment for Australian classical guitarist John Williams. Following a decade of establishing himself as the premier interpreter of the classical repertoire, Williams used this session to explore contemporary sounds and unconventional instrumentation. The album is notable for its inclusion of pop and jazz standards, such as Stanley Myers' 'Cavatina' (which would later become his signature theme for The Deer Hunter) and a radical, synth-augmented reimagining of 'House of the Rising Sun'. Produced during a period of great musical flux, the record features contributions from members of the burgeoning progressive and jazz-fusion scenes, yet it maintains the disciplined restraint that defined Williams' career. Critically, it is viewed as a successful, if polarizing, attempt to modernize the classical guitar's image, paving the way for his later work with the crossover group Sky.