I've Got the World on Six Strings
Although best known as lead guitarist of late-era Wings with Paul McCartney, Laurence Juber has quietly become one of the outstanding finger-picking acoustic guitarists on the planet with a series of recordings he has made over the past 10 years or so. His latest brilliant outing is a study of the works of composer Harold Arlen -- everything from "Over the Rainbow" to "Come Rain or Come Shine" -- who, for some reason, Juber considers underappreciated. He gloriously articulates the melodies and never succumbs to show-off playing. But the notes spin out of the songs with such finesse and musical agility, it's hard to believe he has only 10 fingers and six strings. Juber has made a rare acoustic guitar record with bark and bite. His playing is just short of sleight of hand and, like all magicians, he makes it seem effortless. -- Joel Selvin --San Francisco Chronicle