SKYLINE

Steve HOWE is a world-renowned guitar virtuoso with the great progressive rock group Yes. Probably only the most devoted fans realize that there is much more to him than just being a guitar player for that band. He is a venerated solo artist as well. On his latest effort "Skyline", HOWE proves to be an adept six-string maestro by combining jazz, rock, and strong Latin influences into intricate and dazzling instrumental compositions.

His music is as beautiful as the skyline that adorns the cover of this CD. The rainbow is significant in that his music parallels the different colors that the prism of light so pleasing offers to the eye of the beholder.

This is the kind of music that demands several listens and introspection on a level not normally found with a casual listening experience. Then again, HOWE has never been an artist considered average or normal by any means. His outstanding contributions to music over the last 30 years have helped to shape progressive rock and the continuing evolution of the guitar and its vast capabilities.

Yes fans and guitar aficionados alike will find a lot of pleasure listening to this CD. From a production, technical, and pure listening aspect, there are many variations found in HOWE's guitar ruminations. Whether you enjoy jazz, rock, or instrumental guitar music, you will appreciate the detail and effort that went into recording this masterpiece.

This could have been a CD by Hank B. Marvin, what a romantic and polished sound, almost beyond the rock guitarplay that Steve Howe used to play with Yes, Asia and GTR!

But we have to respect his varied musical taste and in fact this CD has a warm sound and Steve plays beautiful. It all sounds like a mix of his two early albums and the electronic sound of ambient and New Age, very mellow and dreamy. If you want to relax in front of the open fireplace (or the central heating for the less wealthy), this CD is yours: sensitive guitarplay (electric and acoustic, often with a jazzy feel) and soaring keyboards, sometimes evoking Mike Oldfield.

Have a good sleep!