review for Exo Eso
James Emery: guitar, composer
FMP
Destination-Out
"Dubbed one of the world’s finest guitarists by numerous critics, James Emery remains unknown to many listeners. The solo Exo Eso is one of his absolute masterpieces and a perfect place to make his acquaintance. Imagine Derek Bailey with more of a through line and you’re halfway there. Emery draws on a deep arsenal of sounds — sparse scrawls intercut with startling flourishes; fluid torrents of notes played with abandon; moments of delicate hushed beauty. Exo Eso is never predictable and never stints on pleasure."