For those not in the know, guitarist Jon Durant brings a unique sense of texture and melody to his chosen instrument.

His distinctive “cloud guitar” soundscapes and engaging lead work have graced numerous CD recordings and film soundtracks.

Indeed, as executive producer of Alchemy Records, he produces recordings for internationally acclaimed artists in his small Massachusetts-based studio.

Jon attended Berklee College of Music in the early '80s after having studied privately with fusion guitar legend and Emmy Award-winning composer Randy Roos.

Jon bolted before long (too much jazz for his independent, prog-rock spirit), but has kept playing and recording with Roos to this day.

Jon's brand new album, coming out May 3rd, 2019 (once again via Alchemy Records) is the 4-track work of musical art Alternate Landscapes.

1. 'Systravatn' (15:56)
2. 'Aragon' (6:56)
3. 'Ciel du Cheval' (20:32)
4. 'Dinkelsbühl' (15:11)

Beginning things with the stunning, absolutely atmospherically charged, Church organesque wonderment of 'Systravatn,' the new album clearly represents a remarkably unique approach to the guitar.

Named after, and inspired by a gorgeous lake in Iceland it showcases perfectly what is to come on the four tracks. In fact, throughout these four extended compositions, the only instrument used is a guitar - though at no time is it obvious that a guitar is being played.

I mean, as second track, the quietly stoic, always pacing 'Aragon' comes to the fore, the noises associated with the music defy your ears to even credit other instruments than the guitar are not incorporated.

As we move through the delicately pulsating, always wistful and always seeking your attention, 20 minutes long opus that is 'Ciel du Cheval' (which is French for "Horse's Heaven") and into yearning of 'Dinkelsbühl' (an historic town in Central Franconia), it's obvious that the new material includes some overt references to some of the music that inspired Durant as a teenager in the 1970s; including Tangerine Dream and Fripp & Eno.

Thus, Durant’s vision here on Alternate Landscapes is one of extensive sonic vistas, taking time to unfold but deeply engaging throughout.

At times lush and beautiful, other times dark and disturbing, but always stirring, empowering, curious and free flowing, the landscapes evolve slowly and evocatively at all times.

Simply put, Alternate Landscapes is an incredible album from a master musician and needs to be heard by a wider audience.

www.JonDurant.com