While Howe’s recent output has been eclectic, from Yes and Asia, to solo rock, jazz and roots albums (he must never sleep), this 12-track collection of refined instrumentals sees him take on classical pieces and some fine works of his own. He fashions a warm, seamless collection showcasing his six-and 12-string, dobro and pedal steel skills, backed by sweet percussion, synths, strings and woodwind.
Villa Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No 5 kicks off proceedings in a lovely filmic fashion, before the dreamy atmosphere of King’s Ransom and the Renaissance textures of Bach’s Cantata No 140 – one for Sky fans, along with the likes of The Third Of March and Rose. Orange varies the landscape with cowboy banjo, while Purification mixes harp with 12-string jazziness, and there’s period harpsichord on the elegant The Explorer. Vivaldi’s Concerto Grosso In D Minor is the one slightly melancholic moment, with its cathedral-like organ, but Steam Age is a perkily Giltrap-esque acoustic jaunt, and the whole makes for a rewarding listen.
