Miroslav Kefurt an his Ensemble Singing Guitar - German Radio Recordings 1961-1967 (2-CD)

(Dusty Tapes) 61 tracks, digisleeve

This compilation is a must for every fan of stylish instrumental pop of the 60s, especially for those who adore guitar heroes like Duane Eddy, Hank Marvin or Les Paul. “Singing Guitar” presents the almost forgotten Czech guitarist Miroslav Kefurt with 61 tracks from the East and West German radio archives recorded between 1961 and 1967, most of which have never before been released on record or CD.
Around 1960, Kefurt became the most innovative electric guitarist in Czechoslovakia and began recording instrumental pieces with his own small rhythm section for the Supraphon label. He also accompanied many Czech pop stars of the 1960s on their records - as well as international folk and jazz performers during their stay in Czechoslovakia. At the end of 1960, Kefurt moved to East Berlin to become a member of the Berlin Radio Dance Orchestra under the direction of Günter Gollasch. In addition to this engagement, he recorded around 200 instrumental titles with his own ensemble until 1967, not only in the East Berlin broadcasting house, but also for West German radio stations in Hamburg and Bremen.
This compilation is the first to present Kefurt's work in Germany in all its astonishing stylistic diversity, encompassing surf and twist as well as swing, folk and bossa nova. A unique feature of his sound was the use of all kinds of guitar sound effects, in particular a high “trick guitar” created by tape overdubbing at half speed. In addition to his own compositions, there are also many unique adaptations of world hits to discover on this double CD: from “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “House of the Rising Sun” to Charlie Parker's “Scrapple from the Apple”.
Just listen to some samples on this website - and you'll wonder how this Czech guitar genius could have been forgotten for so long!