Steve Howe
Skyline
Review by Gary Hill
Skyline is a different sort of album for Steve Howe. The disc shares far more with his new age type performances in conjunction with Paul Sutin than it does with any of the rest of his catalog. Don't expect to be blown away by the musical virtuosity here. While there are some definite moments of instrumental fire, they are quite subtle and will not just jump out at you. I also would be surprised to find anyone sitting to listen to this album without another activity under way. It seems to share something with the music of Enya in that, although pretty music, it is so successful in being relaxing and restful that it can lull you to sleep. This is not a bad thing, though. Indeed, after a hard stressful day, this might be the perfect album to put on as you kick back with a book or magazine.
Howe plays virtually all the sounds on the disc himself, joined only on some of the tracks by Sutin. He also contributed the photographs for this disc.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2002 Year Book Volume 1 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2001-and-2002.
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