Inspired by Carl Sagan’s famous presentation about a photo taken from the Voyager II satellite in which the Earth is a tiny little speck in an enormous galaxy, Pale Blue Dot is a fine introduction to the classical guitar wizardry of Matthew Cochran and Matthew McAllister.

With Matthew Cochran’s 5-part, side-long title track / suite introducing the album, the sound soon shifts to classical guitar covers of music by Pat Metheny (“Letter From Home”), Ralph Towner (“Icarus”), Chick Corea (“Spain”) with the superbly recorded CD closing out with a final cover of “Interstellar Suite” by soundtrack master Hans Zimmer.

Calling Michigan-based Cochran & McAllister fretboard virtuosos would be an understatement. Touring all over the world, the duo have successfully built word of mouth interest among classical music fans as well as guitar fans of all persuasions.

Hats off to both guitarists for bringing in music that extends beyond the limits of established classical music repertoire. Featuring nine tracks and clocking in at 40 minutes, Pale Blue Dot will entice the ears of 21^st century classical guitar fans.