Steve Howe Discusses His New Album GuitarScape: A Journey Through Soundscapes and Simplicity
Steve Howe, the legendary guitarist from Yes, has once again captivated the music world with his latest solo album, GuitarScape. Set for release on September 27th, this album marks a departure from the typical guitar-centric solo projects that many musicians undertake. Instead, GuitarScape is a carefully crafted collection of musical compositions that reflect Howe’s maturity, restraint, and profound understanding of the space between notes.
The seeds of GuitarScape were planted in 2019 when Steve Howe acquired a Novatron Summit keyboard. Unlike any other keyboard he had used before, this instrument inspired him to explore new sonic territories. “I hadn’t planned to make an album like this,” Howe explains, “but the sounds from the keyboard sparked something in me.” What followed was an organic process where the keyboard laid the foundation for many of the tracks, allowing Howe to weave his guitar melodies around these ambient soundscapes.
A Different Approach to Guitar Playing
For a guitarist of Howe’s caliber, known for his intricate and dexterous playing, GuitarScape represents a shift towards simplicity and space. “There’s a lot of volume pedaling on this album,” Howe notes, highlighting how he used this technique to create a more expressive sound. Tracks like “Touch the Surface” and “Upstream” exemplify this approach, where the guitar doesn’t dominate but instead floats gracefully over the underlying keyboard textures.
Howe’s choice of guitars also plays a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound. From the warm tones of his Gibson ES-175 to the unique qualities of the Chet Atkins model, each instrument is carefully chosen to suit the mood of the piece. “I didn’t overthink it,” Howe says. “It was about finding the right texture and letting the music breathe.”
The Art of Knowing When to Stop
One of the most striking aspects of GuitarScape is its brevity. Many of the tracks are under two minutes long, yet they feel complete and self-contained. Howe attributes this to a sense of discipline he’s developed over the years. “It’s like painting or cooking,” he explains. “You have to know when to stop, when something is finished.” This restraint is evident throughout the album, where each note is placed with intention, and no space is overcrowded.
Tracks like “Seesaw” showcase Howe’s ability to convey emotion through simplicity. The guitar on this track, played on a Gibson Chet Atkins model, feels almost like a human voice, lyrical and expressive. It’s a testament to Howe’s mastery that he can create such a powerful impact with so few notes.
While GuitarScape is centered around the guitar, the album’s title hints at the broader soundscapes that are integral to its identity. The keyboard parts are not just background elements but are key to the album’s overall feel. Howe’s use of sequencing on tracks like “Hail Storm” adds a rhythmic drive that pushes the music forward, while tracks like “Springboard” and “Suma” offer more ambient, almost meditative, experiences.
Howe also experimented with different guitar sounds, from the Spanish-inspired tones on “Distillations” to the sitar-like effects on “Suma.” These diverse soundscapes give the album a unique character, one that is both cohesive and varied.
GuitarScape is a significant addition to Steve Howe’s illustrious career. It’s an album that invites listeners to sit back, relax, and let the music wash over them. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Yes or new to Howe’s solo work, this album offers something different—a glimpse into the mind of a musician who is always evolving, always exploring new horizons.
As Howe continues to push the boundaries of what a guitar album can be, GuitarScape stands as a testament to his creativity and dedication to his craft. The album will be available on CD, vinyl, and in Dolby Atmos, ensuring that listeners can experience the full depth of its soundscapes.
GuitarScape is a journey through different musical landscapes, each carefully crafted by one of the greatest guitarists of our time. As Howe himself says, “It’s about letting the music breathe,” and this album does just that. It’s a record that will resonate with anyone who appreciates the art of music-making at its most thoughtful and evocative.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
