The belief that Spain is the homeland of the guitar, if considered from the viewpoint of a music historian, is a banality, because throughout the centuries, Italy has produced as much relevant guitar music as has Spain. Still, it is unquestionable that in Spain, the link between popular music and the guitar has made the guitar a sort of flag, or a symbol, not only of Spanish music, but of Spain"s culture and traditions in the broadest sense. -Angelo Gilardino (from the liner notes)