------------------------------------------------------- APRIL 30, 1998 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Music Street Journal http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/quantum.html Steve Howe-Quantum Guitar Overall Review Steve Howe`s solo albums seem to hold a wide variety of music within. Generally, one can find acoustic guitar solos, progressive rock compositions, country tinged songs and more. This album is true to that format. The more complex Yes music historically has been smaller pieces brought in by the individual members and assembled almost piece meal into complex song structures. Another interesting aspect of Howe albums is the opportunity to hear works that could easily have been such segments and get a glimpse at where the band could have gone. Steve is accompanied on this album by his son Dylan Howe on drums. Don`t forget (when perusing the disc`s liner notes) to check out the list of guitars used on the album. For guitar heads, that is always a welcome portion of any Howe solo album. Track by Track Review Walk Don`t Run: Starting in and returning to an acoustic mode, this is a lively version of this Ventures classic surf song. The Collector: A rather twangy guitar pervades much of this piece, layering atop what (at times) is a bouncy rhythm guitar arrangement. In fact, although the lead work is a bit static, the rhythm structure is quite dynamic and adds much warmth and style to the piece. Really the lead guitar tends to just add a country air to the tune. Light Walls: Light Walls takes on definite Yesish textures in the arrangement at points. This is definitely one track where it would be fun to see what Yes would do with the number. This composition is quite progish with standout lead guitar work and a very nice ending. Mosaic: The early moments of this cut form an image in one`s mind of a small child playing. This is a very progressive and wonderful track in which the complexity and depth of the arrangement keep building. This is one of the strongest songs on this album. Suddenly: Starting off as a pretty acoustic piece, the number continues in that vein for quite some time. Eventually, the arrangement kicks into overdrive with prog aspects showing up in multilayered arrangements. Another very strong piece, Suddenly shows much of Howe`s songwriting and arranging skills, along with his guitar wizardry. Country Viper: Certainly living up to its name, this one is quick, bouncy and countrified. Mainland: Mainland is a fairly run of the mill Howe number. That said, the piece does contain some considerably inspired and tasteful lead soloing. Knights of Carmelite: Featuring a pretty and intricate intro, this song would have made a wonderful choice on which Mr. Howe and Annie Haslam could collaborate. This is a beautiful acoustic number. Paradox: Based somewhat on a tango sort of texture, Paradox also features Spanish modes. One could certainly do a sombrero dance to much of this number. As the song progresses, both of those textures are still present, but based on a more solid rock format. Another strong composition, Paradox features a very nice solo. Momenta: Yet another in a list of strong songs on the album, this one is somewhat reminiscent of Pinball Wizard. The number is acoustic oriented and portions feature soaring guitar solos. Sleep Walk: This is a nice instrumental updating of this pretty tune. Sovereigns: This is not particularly a standout track, but even a run of the mill Howe song is pretty darn good. This track, again, features moments of fretboard fireworks. Totality: This one would have made a very nice Yes track, perhaps in the Drama era. Solid Ground: A slower and more emotional cut, Solid Ground also would have done nicely at the hands of Yes. The song is mid-tempo, well-arranged and contains some intriguing changes. The Great Siege: A layered classical guitar intro gives way to more rock oriented guitar and bass. This is yet another that could have shown up as a Yes segment. Cacti Garden: An odd sounding processed guitar lends an intriguing texture to the intro. Beyond that aspect, although a competent tune, this one is not overly special. Southern Accent: A straight ahead rocker, this cut is just a little reminiscent of Brother of Mine at times. Particularly towards the ends of the piece, it features some wonderful examples of Mr. Howe`s soloing talents. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com