Steve Howe

Love Is

BMG Records 8/10

Yes guitarist adds to repertoire

There’s been quite the gap since Yes guitarist Steve Howe released his last solo album, Time, which came out in 2011. And so this new 10-track album comes eagerly anticipated. Half the songs are instrumentals, and it’s an uplifting affair all round with plenty of electric and acoustic guitar featuring on each track.

Opener, Fulcrum, is a laidback waltz of an instrumental that’s melodic and well arranged. See Me Through – featuring current Yes vocalist, Jon Davison, on harmonies/bass – carries an optimistic sound with rich vocal harmonies and the melodic interjections of Howe’s guitars. Beyond The Call demonstrates folk-rock sensibilities with plenty of acoustics and bright-toned electric lead lines. Meanwhile, Howe talks of the pivotal nature of Love Is A River, acting as inspiration for numerous ideas in the studio.

The album certainly takes the listener on a journey with many layered guitar parts that weave together tremendously well. Sound Picture is rockier with a strong lead guitar melody and some intriguing chord changes and rhythms. Likewise, The Headlands

is another rock-biased instrumental with arresting slide guitar lead lines. For the rockiest track, though, album-closer On The Balcony features some pretty mean guitar riffing and melodic arpeggios.

Standout track: On The Balcony

For fans of: Yes, Genesis, Marillion