In “Unanswered,” English guitarist Martin Lloyd Howard invites us into a sound world where clarity, emotion, and craftsmanship meet with remarkable ease. Though originally trained in the classical tradition, Howard has spent a career wandering the crossroads of folk, blues, and rock—absorbing color, nuance, and storytelling instincts along the way. The result is a musical identity that feels grounded in centuries-old technique and illuminated by modern imagination.
But “Unanswered,” released on October 1 this year, is something more intimate, almost autobiographical. Written for and performed on his 50-year-old classical guitar, the piece feels like a conversation between artist and instrument—two old companions reflecting on time, memory, and the spaces between thoughts. Howard’s playing carries the quiet authority of someone who has traveled many musical landscapes but still finds his most authentic voice in the soft glow of nylon strings.
What strikes first is the purity of tone: that unmistakable crystalline shimmer that only a seasoned classical guitar can produce. Howard uses it not as a technical flourish but as an emotional tool. The melody feels unhurried, graceful, and gently inquisitive. There’s a subtle, questioning quality woven into the phrasing, as if each line reaches out, searching for an answer that remains just beyond grasp.
His performance is confident yet introspective. Howard’s control of dynamics—whispers blooming into fuller, resonant passages—shows a player deeply attentive to storytelling through sound. The pace shifts naturally, breathing organically rather than structured. Even listeners unfamiliar with classical guitar will find themselves drawn into the mood he creates: relaxed, contemplative, and quietly evocative.
The instrumentation and production remain true to the classical tradition: unadorned, warm, and respectful of the guitar’s natural voice. There’s no studio gloss or unnecessary layering—just an honest sonic space that allows the instrument’s age, character, and imperfections to shine. The recording captures every subtle touch: the brushes of finger against string, the slight bloom of each note, and the wood’s gentle resonance. The production is simple, transparent, and effective.
Introducing Martin Lloyd Howard to you means introducing not just a guitarist, but a storyteller who speaks through decades of accumulated sound. He is an artist who bridges traditions without betraying any of them, a composer who knows that simplicity can be profound when shaped with intention. In Unanswered, Howard doesn’t try to dazzle. He invites, reflects, and connects. And in that quiet space, he creates something soothing and deeply human. The piece may be called Unanswered, but in its serene beauty and emotional clarity, it offers something rare: a moment of stillness in which we can hear ourselves.
Listen to “Unanswered” on Spotify or SoundCloud
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