ISBN 9781610656139.

The guitar's entrance into American culture began in the early 1800s, introduced primarily by visiting and immigrant Spanish guitarists. Many of these newly arrived Spaniards exerted great influence on the guitar's development in 19th century America. The works in this book contain the compositions and arrangements of eight noted 19th century Hispanic American guitarist / composers with an emphasis on their works that reflect Latin themes or rhythms. Rounding out this anthology are dance forms such as the Habanera, Jota, Cachucha, Sevillano, Spanish Mazurka, and other Spanish dance related works along with extended concert pieces such as Theme and Variations, Serenades, Polonaises and a delightful arrangement of The Celebrated Spanish Retreat, a programmatic work with an unusual 'C' tuning and novel harmonic effects crafted to imitate the bugles, horns and drums as heard on the battlefield. The book features twenty-one solos and two duets which range in difficulty from easy to advanced. An extensive and well researched text along with photos and a companion recording by acclaimed guitarist/scholar Douglas Back help to make this a landmark book.

ISBN 9781610652841. Some of the best known Latin American rhythms are included in this collection carefully graded from beginner to intermediate level. For this book Mel Bay asked an expert on Latin American music, world celebrated guitarist-composer Alfonso Montes, to put together all his expertise to come up with real Latin sounding pieces keeping the technical demands within reach of beginner and intermediate players. Latinitas, besides being full of beautiful melodies and captivating rhythms, should act as an introduction for guitarist of all ages to this fascinating music. Standard notation only. New Latin American pieces for pedagogical purposesPicking studies in 7 keysNew solos in diverse Latin styles for concertsBegins study of Latin American folk and popular musical formsCarefully graded to move at a user friendly paceUnmatched in comprehensivenessIncludes access to online audio.