Steve Kaufman
Flatpicking Guitar - To the Next Level
Mel Bay 0-7866-4722-1 (1999);
$19.95, 51 minutes

Steve Kaufman is one of those guitarists who are capable of stringing together beautifully complex runs on the guitar and making it look pretty darned easy. He doesn't even break into a sweat as he puts his fingers on full throttle during some of the reels and fiddle tunes like "Flannery's Dream" and his medley of "Forked Deer" and "Ragtime Annie." Kaufman can also play it sweet and slow, as on "Skater's Waltz," tastefully choosing his voicings and tone.

Though this tape is issued by a company that is mostly associated with instructional materials, this video is more of a showcase for Kaufman's talents. Guitarists (intermediate to advanced) will be able to pick up some ideas and licks, however, as the camera work shows what Kaufman is doing very clearly. There are no accompanying materials, though many of the tunes appear in an assortment of books previously issued by the publisher.
This tape is very enjoyable, the musicianship is excellent, and Kaufman brings something of his own to all of the tunes.
— Andy Allen (Towson, MD)