Jazz guitarist Martin Taylor and rock guitarist Steve Howe would seem an unlikely pair to make an album together, but they had an opportunity, thanks to the generosity of a fan with a wide-ranging collection of vintage collectable guitars…

Picking up where they left off with 1995's duet recording Tone Poems II, mandolin master David Grisman and guitar great Martin Taylor blithely saunter through a dozen jazz staples. Taylor's playing boasts a blues-soaked intensity and insouciant fire that isn't normally associated with the willowy and refined soloist, while Grisman showcases a wide variety of adventurous ideas, but at no time do the issues seem forced. The sympathetic and delicate rhythmic support of bassist Jim Kerwin and drummer George Marsh contributes to the air of easygoing delight. Taylor even picks up the mandolin himself on a hidden "keepsake".

Spirit of Django sees internationally renowned guitarist Martin Taylor creatively embrace the legacy of Django Reinhardt and Gypsy Jazz. Taylor delivers a world-class virtuoso performance on this, one of his most enduringly popular albums. Taylor is joined by John Goldie on acoustic rhythm guitar, Dave O'Higgins on saxophones, Alec Dankworth on acoustic bass guitar and Jack Emblow on accordion.

Internationally recognised as Britain's greatest jazz guitarist, Martin Taylor is a versatile and masterful musician. His groundbreaking solo album Artistry, produced by Steve Howe, was originally released in 1992 to much critical acclaim and was re-issued on SACD. Artistry was No.1 in the HMV Jazz Charts for a record 12 weeks and topped the UK Jazz Charts for six weeks and launched Martin's career as an international solo artist.

Martin Taylor's star rose considerably during the 1990s with a flurry of recording activity as a leader, especially dates such this one from the series he did for the Scottish label Linn. With a rhythm section of pianist David Newton, bassist Brian Shiels, and drummer John Rae, the guitarist's program is wide-ranging and has some surprises…