from Loeb's website
Although David Loeb began composing at the age of six, he destroyed everything he had written prior to beginning his studies at Mannes (not to mention some things written much later). Nevertheless the works written since then now number well over one thousand, and he continues to produce new compositions in diverse media frequently. Moving back and forth between residences in New York and Kyoto and often making shorter trips from both places actually increases his output rather than slowing it down. Changes of climate, cuisine, culture, language, art, and above all music seem to provide considerable stimulation for creativity.
Loeb created his unique international style. Each instrument is a mask. When he writes for guitar, the mask is part biwa and shamisen, part Renaissance lute.
Between Sea and Sky opens with a wisp of a tune--four notes rising stepwise.
The opening gets the tune under our skin but also starts to turn it upside down. The heart of the piece is descending music, almost unbearably sad.
The composer is finding musical gold in those descending, expiring lines. When the modest rising of the opening tune returns and we feel delivered.