Various Artists - Imaginational Anthem vol. XIV : Ireland

Ireland has had its fair share of international breakout successes recently, including Tompkins Square’s own discovery, Muireann Bradley. Perhaps less known is that Ireland is a wellspring of amazing solo acoustic guitar talent. Guitarist Cian Nugent recruited some of the leading lights of Irish guitar to create 'Imaginational Anthem vol. XIV : Ireland'. The release coincides with Tompkins Square's 20th Anniversary. The label launched October 25th, 2005 with the release of the first volume of its acclaimed guitar compilation series, 'Imaginational Anthem.’ The first four volumes of the guitar series featured early recordings by crucial figures such as James Blackshaw, Daniel Bachman, Nathan Salsburg and Jack Rose while re-discovering earlier masters like Suni McGrath, Michael Chapman, Max Ochs, Fred Gerlach, Steve Mann, and many more.

In a full circle moment, a teenage Cian Nugent appeared on the cover of ‘Imaginational Anthem vol. 3’, and contributed one of his first solo compositions on that album. His liner notes for IAXIV illuminate the new project, highlighting each artist, and (rather humorously) framing the acoustic guitar in Irish music history.