Steve Howe — Motif Volume one
Howe simply put is one of the worlds greatest living or dead guitar players, but instead of going down the route that many guitarist do with solo guitar albums trying to be flashy, show offish and ultimately audibly saying look how clever I’m he focusers in on the tracks harmonic, rich and beautiful facets. Sure his playing is of course highly accomplished and often complex but always with reason to deepen the tracks sonic enjoyment, richness, groove, or mellow vibe. He utilizes nine different guitars in all over the albums 20 tracks - featured are: 2 electrics, 3 folk guitars, 2 Spanish guitars, a 12 string and a dobro slide guitar-with all been solo performances with no overdubs. All but three tracks are Howes own compositions with the three non tracks been a wonderfully mellowed version of Chet Atkins Trombone and two highly elegant and beautiful intricate Vivaldi pieces. His own compositions are a mix of county, blues, classical, Spanish, folk and jazz- there’s a nice varation in pace and style through out meaning this can be enjoyable played as a whole 60 minute album.
A superbly played collection of egoless solo guitar music that’s mellow, beautiful, enchanting, fun and highly rewarding through out. This will appeal beyond Howe’s usually fan base to anyone who enjoys harmonic and accomplished guitar music played with soul and passion.