Steve Howe’s “Guitarscape” – A Masterclass in Guitar Innovation
Legendary guitarist Steve Howe is set to release his new solo album, “Guitarscape,” on September 27th, 2024, through his own HoweSound label. This highly anticipated album will be available in multiple formats: CD, vinyl, and digitally in immersive Dolby Atmos. Pre-order your copy here.
“Guitarscape” represents a bold new chapter for the iconic YES and ASIA guitarist, offering what amounts to a masterclass in guitar artistry. “What I’m doing,” said Steve, “is focusing on what I do well and what I love to do.” The album features 14 new instrumental tracks, showcasing a variety of musical styles from rock to acoustic and classical, all bearing Steve Howe’s unmistakable signature sound.
In addition to playing acoustic, electric, steel, and bass guitars, Steve also performs on keyboards, joined by his son Dylan on drums. The album is a completely self-written and self-produced endeavor, highlighting Steve’s multi-instrumental talents and creative vision.
“This album has given me the opportunity to do something different,” Steve explains. “I bought a Novatron Summit keyboard and found that it had a wealth of inspiring sounds. It gave me a golden opportunity to create my own keyboard structures – chordal movements and structures that I thought were a bit different. I think differently on a keyboard; I don’t see the chords looking the same, but then I had fun playing around with the guitar to see where that goes.”
Steve continues, “I’ve utilized most of the colors, as I like to think of my styles, and I’m always pleased when I hear them running through and it moves from a steel, maybe, to a Spanish guitar. Because it’s a different sort of album, I’m not using terribly conventional chord sequences but things that give me a fresh feeling and opportunities to improvise and stretch out as well as be melodic and make this a nice tuneful experience.”
The collaboration with his son Dylan on drums adds a special dynamic to the album. “I began feeding the tracks to Dylan. We get on great and he seems to know what to play around my guitar, it’s almost instinctive. Dylan and I fit together really beautifully. We’ve had the chance to do this together, so it’s wonderful.”
With intriguing bass parts and innovative keyboard arrangements, “Guitarscape” promises to be a fresh and engaging listening experience. “Everything had to be interesting but also work together. I like doing things that are super fresh and this album says what I am today.”
“Steve Howe – Guitarscape” is released by HoweSound on 27th September 2024.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine