A GNW reader, who identifies himself only as "Monkey Man" writes:

No mention of Manuel Barrueco or David Russell...

The fact that you have listed, among others, Sharon Isben, Eliot Fisk, Andrew York and other guitarists who are barely even blips on the classical guitar radar, and yet have not bothered to include Manuel Barrueco or David Russell is beyond shocking!

See: Classical Guitar Artists 2
http://www.guitarsite.com/bands4a.htm

Another thing:

Christopher Parkening is no longer considered the heir to the Segovia legacy. His playing ability has steady declined over the past twenty years and is he is not any longer regarded as even in the same class with players like Barrueco and Russell. There is just a load of mis-information on your site about the classical guitar. I can think of ten STUDENTS at Peabody alone who are better players than Sharon Isbin. You really should check your sources before putting a site together with all these inaccuracies!

*******

OK, Monkey Man., let's try to address your issues!

MANUEL BARRUECO

Manuel Barrueco has firmly established himself as a leading figure in the guitar world today. Ever since his dazzling debut recital at Carnegie Hall in 1974, his artistry has continually been described as that of a superb instrumentalist and an elegant musician, possessing a seductive sound and uncommon lyrical gifts.

Of his extensive discography on EMI/Angel, his most recent recording, "¡Cuba!", was called "an extraordinary musical achievement" by the San Francisco Chronicle, while his recording of Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with conductor/tenor Plácido Domingo and the Philharmonia Orchestra was called the best recording of that piece in Classic CD Magazine. Other recent recordings are "Cantos y Danzas", including collaborations with soprano Barbara Hendricks and flutist Emmanuel Pahud, and "Three Solo Sonatas" by J.S. Bach. A new recording of duos with guitarists Andy Summers (The Police), Steve Morse (Deep Purple), and Al Di Meola will be released later this season, further demonstrating his outstanding versatility and imaginative programming.

Some highlights of his recent performances include repeat appearances at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic after having appeared there with famed Beatles producer Sir George Martin the season before. He also had the honor of performing the Concierto de Aranjuez in Joaquín Rodrigo's native Valencia, in a memorial concert held at the time of the composer's recent death.

MANUEL BARRUECO Official Site
http://www.barrueco.com/

EMI Classics | Biographies | MANUEL BARRUECO
http://www.emiclassics.com/artists/biogs/barrb.html

MANUEL BARRUECO TALKS TO DAVID RUSSELL

One of the premier classical guitarists performing today, Scottish-born David Russell continues to amaze international audiences and critics with his superb technique and inspired musical interpretation...

We're sitting in a restaurant in Baltimore after David's class at the Peabody Conservatory, and his recital last night. We are having dinner with about 20 students. Manuel has long wanted to do an "interview" with David, pick his brains a little bit. Here is a transcription of the conversation:
http://www.barrueco.com/interviews.shtml#TOC34