Curated by 78-rpm record collector Pat Conte, The Secret Museum of Mankind -
Guitars Vol. 1: Prologue to Modern Styles, is the first new volume in the legendary
series since 1998. It is also the first volume of the Secret Museum to focus on a
specific instrument, the guitar. This new Secret Museum volume seeks to show
the diverse range of guitar sounds and styles developed and practiced across the
globe.
The Secret Museum of Mankind - Guitars Vol. 1: Prologue to Modern Styles
presents guitar and guitar related music, recorded across the world from Spain, to
Papua New Guinea, Greece to Ghana to India and more. The collection is drawn
from Conte’s pioneering and remarkable personal collection of 78-rpm discs,
recorded in the 1920’s-1950’s.
The album is available via digital download and on vinyl, in a beautiful gatefold
package. It includes a liner notes booklet by curator Pat Conte, original
drawings of rare and unique guitars in Conte’s collection, by artist Jeff Tocci, and
beautifully remastered audio by Don Fierro. Additionally, the interior gatefold
design features a selection of historic images of guitarists, also curated by Conte
and drawn from his collection.
“After hours and hours of intense listening, it is safe to say that one could take
one’s complete education in authentic world music right here… The historical
significance of these releases goes without saying, and the quality of the music
is enormously high. Mr. Conte has lovingly culled his collection for tracks that
would best represent each genre. The listener is rewarded with new insights and
revelations with each visit, indeed, this IS a museum. The cumulative effect is
inspiring and it is almost impossible not to be transported in one’s imagination to
the various places and times represented by these tracks.” - Michal Shapiro