SAMPLER 2005

I promised to myself to review more material from Steve Unruh clearly because I believe is an artist who needs the attention of the prog audience. A one-man-band, Steve, delivers acoustic prog-folk with great virtuosity and, most of all, PASSION! This CD sampler, like numerous others, can be found in his official website and is free to download.

The music presented in this sampler is not far off the Sampler 2007 which I have previously appreciated. Steve combines acoustic guitars with violin, flute and all sorts of interesting instruments to deliver an attractive and powerful compilation. In addition, his melodic vocals with a strong American influence fit perfectly with the result, reminding slightly of Guy Manning (already referred at another review).

The sampler consists of two relatively long songs and four short ones. Although strictly acoustic, the music does not get tiring at any moment, mainly because the songs are performed with great pace and 'liveliness'. The excerpts from Song to the sky and Breaking free (the longest tracks) are the most interesting with lots of variations and dominant beautiful melodies - a similarity with Sampler 2007 where again the longest tracks were the highlights. The difference in this sampler is that there are strong elements of Spanish guitar-playing (ala De Lucia and Di Meola). This latter element adds more 'spice' to his music in my opinion.

A few Jethro Tull moments (The clouds from yesterday), mixed with some Hispanic fusion, are more than welcome. It is also interesting to observe the variations between powerful up-beat acoustic tracks (opening) and mellower, more melodic tunes that reveal the artist's more sentimental aspect (Consolation, Waiting). Overall, a more interesting compilation than Sampler 2007, highly recommended to fans of CHALLENGING acoustic music.

Regardless of the rating, this is better than 'good but non-essential' and free...

PS From the two Song to the sky parts I have listened to, I assume that the respective album would be worth a listen...