Inspiration can come in many forms and as a result of many different factors and influences, such as a new experience or a new relationship or a trip somewhere new that strikes a chord within. These Inspirations can be worked out in a number of different ways.
Such is the case with this new album from iconic Yes guitarist Steve Howe, whose creative juices were extremely stirred by his purchase of a new keyboard. This meant Steve had to become deeply acquainted with his new purchase to the extent that he composed these tracks for this latest solo album. Solo, although utilising the percussive talents of his son Dylan Howe, with whom he recorded the 2020 release ‘Love Is’.
‘Guitarscape’ is totally instrumental in tone and Steve’s recent acquisition of a Novatron Summit keyboard was the inspirational basis behind the album. As always, Steve offers the listener a variety of styles, both electric and acoustic, performed on a variety of Steve’s classic guitars, a breakdown of which guitars are used for each track are noted in the album’s booklet.
So enough preamble let’s detail exactly what this album offers the listener…
The album commences with the driving electric guitar track Hail Storm in which Steve really cuts loose with some fiery guitar runs and fills. Spring Board has a country music feel to it and, again, shows Steve’s mastery of tone and styling. There is some very technical and proficient playing on display here with the keyboard tones adding warmth and depth. It’s a really fine track that works very well. Distillations is an acoustic number that shows fabulous playing and a sympathetic keyboard sound that gives this track depth too. Up Stream opens with keyboard swirls and electric guitar. The track relies heavily on volume swells and sustained notes and Steve seems to be getting in touch with his inner David Gilmour, as it follows a similar sort of sound, to these ears at least. Secret Mission is another fleet-fingered acoustic track where the really delicate finger work makes for a memorable piece.
Passing Thoughts is another brief acoustic piece that follows a similar line to the previous track withSteve showcasing his impressive skills. Touch The Surface sees Steve using a tremolo effect on his guitar tone, rather impressively it has to be said too! The good thing about this album is that it offers listeners a showcase of Steve’s highly impressive, tasteful and varied guitar styles. In addition, nothing is very long so tracks and styles change rapidly, which is a good thing I feel. Spring Rhyme, in line with its title, has a real bounce to its step. It is a very short, but very fine, track. On Equinox we find Steve playing pedal steel guitar very effectively and Seesaw revisits the acoustic guitar tones in another very brief track.
The keyboard voicing sets the tone for acoustic track Gone West. Steve’s delicate fretwork also supporting the track well. It is the albums longest track and I rather like it a lot. Suma is a brief electric interlude that leads into the album’s penultimate piece, Spring Tide. Another shorter electric track where lots of interesting runs and fills play off good rhyming support from the keyboards and Dylan’s excellent drumming. The album closes with Steel Breeze an electric pedal steel guitar piece that Steve does so well. I like the way he has doubled the guitar at various points, it really sounds great.
‘Guitarscape’ is an interesting and different sort of album for Steve and one that offers a snapshot of where he is now at seventy seven years of age. His prowess and skills thankfully show no significant sign of deterioration or decline, for which we should all being thankful. It is proof that Inspiration is never that far away.
This may not be to everyone’s tastes but the more musically inclined will find much to appreciate here.
Released 27th September, 2024.
Order the album here: