Quite literally one of the most original and influential guitarists on the planet, Derek Bailey has completely revolutionized the language of guitar music in the twentieth century. His work has been championed by almost every cutting edge guitarist: Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot, Buckethead, Jerry Garcia, but his influence reaches far far beyond the insular world of guitar freaks, to classical composers such as Brian Ferneyhough and Karlheinz Stockhausen, creative musicians Anthony Braxton, George Lewis, Leo Smith, jazz players Dave Holland, Steve Lacy and Milford Graves, rock bands Sonic Youth, Fantomas and so many more. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, his first solo recording since the best selling Ballads album of 2003, finds Derek again in a wistful romantic mood, and these three musings for solo guitar are some of his most soulful and emotional documents ever. Essential late recordings by a man who has helped improvisation change the world.

Medical illustrations are by the brilliant artist Leslie Laurien, and used by permission.