Steve Howe
The Grand Scheme Of Things

Before starting this review, I would like to express my opinion on the cover of this album because every time I look at the 'giant' image of Howe compared to the trees and the two galaxies, it makes me smile a bit. Certainly, Steve is one of the great musicians of English Rock, but his photograph seems slightly 'egocentric' to me. Surely they could have 'developed' it better, especially when two big names like Roger & Martyn Dean appear in the booklet notes. I can reveal to you that this work is excellent, but it is hampered by Howe's rather weak and at times inconsistent vocal performance, whereas, in my opinion, simply inserting a good singer would have greatly enhanced the creative result and the assessment of the work. Fortunately, the album also offers instrumental pieces that allow the guitarist to express himself freely with his characteristic virtuosity and unmistakable taste. Howe also engages in playing a whole series of other instruments (bass, percussion, keyboards, mandolin, koto, and flute) proving to be a remarkable multi-instrumentalist. Moreover, his two sons, Dylan (drums) and Virgil (keyboards), also appear alongside him. Sixteen tracks for a total of about fifty-nine minutes (1993 Relativity). The work is quite varied in musical genres, also with oriental sounds like the tender "Road To One's Self." Some progressive passages inevitably refer to the important works of the '70s together with the Yes members. As already mentioned previously, the best episodes are found in the instrumental pieces, where the guitarist can create excellent solos that never reduce to simple exhibitionist passages. Therefore excellent: "Desire Came First" and "Luck Of The Draw" of a more Country setting, "The Valley Of Rocks" which is very reminiscent of the acoustic guitar instrumentals of his musical past, "Wayward Course" and "Common Ground," the latter is a beautiful duet of acoustic guitar and piano. Also noteworthy are "Passing Phase," "Georgia's Theme" and "Maiden Voyage" of a more progressive setting. However, some sung tracks are not to be dismissed, such as the title track "The Grand Scheme Of Things," "At The Gates Of The New World" and "Too Much Is Taken And Not Enough Given," perhaps the best sung track on the album with a good pro-ecological text. The booklet is decent and also contains the lyrics of the songs and this beautiful quote: "In the same sweet eternity of love is a circle that doth restless move" - Anon.

In conclusion, it is a more than valid work, both in quality and musical quantity, and presents a musician in excellent shape. Album rating 3.7 out of 5 (guitars).