A Closer View

The Allmusic review by Leo Stanley awarded the album 3 stars, stating, "A Closer View finds Ralph Towner working with Gary Peacock, crafting a subtle, textured instrumental album that relies more on compositions than improvisations. Occasionally, it all gets a little too static and colorless, but the best moments are fluid, engaging and graceful".[2]

Doug Ramsey of Jazz Times wrote "The news release accompanying the advance CD says that three of the pieces in A Closer View are “off-the-cuff joint compositions.” One can only guess which three. The most attentive and knowledgeable listener will be unable to tell where composition ends and improvisation begins in this music performed by guitarist Towner and bassist Peacock. The most discerning will not consider it an issue. It is more important that, despite its quietness, the richly textured music flows with uncommon harmonic interest and rhythmic strength. No one familiar with Peacock's and Towner's many past collaborations will be surprised at their synergy, which may involve ESP. Each is a virtuoso who makes virtuosity servant to the music. Deep intelligence, hard work and complexity went into the conception and performance of the pieces on this album. The listener hears ease and simplicity. As Red Mitchell famously observed, simple isn't easy. Hearing Peacock and Towner, you'd never know it."[3]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[2]

All compositions by Gary Peacock and Ralph Towner except where noted.

1. "Opalesque" - 3:29
2. "Viewpoint" (Towner) - 1:19
3. "Mingusiana" (Towner) - 4:03
4. "Creeper" (Towner) - 6:10
5. "Infrared" (Towner) - 3:55
6. "From Branch to Branch" - 5:13
7. "Postcard to Salta" - 3:12
8. "Toledo" (Towner) - 6:18
9. "Amber Captive" - 4:15
10. "Moor" (Peacock) - 4:59
11. "Beppo" (Towner) - 6:24
12. "A Closer View" (Towner) - 4:48

• Recorded at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, Norway in December 1995.

• Gary Peacock — bass
• Ralph Towner — classical guitar, 12 string guitar