Muse is the second album release of guitarist Jack Hancher, following his critically acclaimed debut album, The Memory Garden (DXL1206). This recital of impressionist music from France and Spain, including Hancher’s own transcriptions of Ravel, Debussy, Mompou and Albeniz, is a programme woven together by intelligence, sensitivity, and an extraordinary dynamic range. A particular highlight is his deft transcription of Ravel’s Minuet Antique, which brings the seemingly impossible to a single guitar. His silky smooth sound is beautifully captured by engineer Matthew Wadsworth. A must listen!

Described by Gramophone Magazine as a guitarist with “youthful intensity tempered by sophisticated musical intelligence”, Jack Hancher is a unique voice of the classical guitar. In 2022, he won the Gold Medal of the Royal Overseas League Competition at London’s Wigmore Hall, becoming just the third guitarist to win the award. Jack has performed across America and Europe and has performed live on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune multiple times. 2026 highlights include a first tour of Australia, and a debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Jack has given Masterclasses at Conservatoires around Europe, including at the Royal College of Music, London, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff. Jack is an Augustine Strings Artist

Catalogue No: DXL1228
Title: Muse: impressionist French and Spanish music
Artists: Jack Hancher, guitar
Barcode: 0666283122824
Playing Time: 61:59
UK Release: 18th September 2026
UK Distribution: RSK, Tel: 01488 608900
Packaging: 1CD, Digipak; Box 35

Track list
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) 

1. La fille aux cheveux de lin,
Préludes Book 1 L. 117 No. 8* 2:41
2. Danse bohémienne, L. 4
(Arr. Ansgar Krause) 2:38
3. Children’s Corner: The Little Shepherd* 2:28

4. Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) Homenaje
“Le tombeau de Claude Debussy” 3:43

5. Federico Mompou (1893-1987)
Cançons i danses No. 6a* 1:58

6. Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909)
Capricho catalan, Op. 165 No. 5* 3:54

7. Erik Satie (1866-1925) Gnossienne No.3* 2:47

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
8. Á la manière de Borodine, M. 63* 1:48
9. Menuet antique, M. 7* 6:20
10. Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19* 6:15

11. Erik Satie (1866-1925)
Gymnopédie No.1* 3:24

Antonio José (1902-1936) Sonata for Guitar
12. Allegro moderato 7:16
13. Minuetto 3:23
14. Pavana triste 4:38
15. Finale 4:56

16. Erik Satie (1866-1925)
Gnossienne No.1* 3:49

*Arranged for guitar by Jack Hancher