The Guitar Is the Song: A Folksong Collection

Released in 1983, 'The Guitar Is the Song' represents a significant moment in John Williams' discography where he bridged the gap between the rigid world of classical guitar and the populist appeal of international folk music. Eschewing the complex avant-garde compositions he often championed, Williams focuses here on the 'song' - melodies that have survived through oral tradition. The recording quality is emblematic of early 80s audiophile standards, featuring a crisp, high-fidelity capture of his Smallman guitar that emphasizes clarity and transient response. The tracklist is notably diverse, featuring arrangements of English ballads, Hungarian dances, and even African traditional music, all unified by Williams' immaculate technique. Critics at the time, including those at plum.cream.org, noted the album's accessibility without sacrificing the technical precision for which Williams is legendary. It remains a standout in his catalog for its warmth and its ability to make the classical guitar feel like a universal storyteller.