IN SPIRAL

Out of the blue yonder, comes a spirited and original work of musical art that has left a strong mark on the ongoing flurry of great 2022 releases. French guitarist and composer Jean-Pascal Boffo has had quite the storied career, including a long series of 15 solo albums since 1986, critically acclaimed for the most part but still relatively unknown to the vast majority of fans. That is quite a shame as he is supremely talented as a guitarist (some have called him the French Michael Oldfield) and as a composer of diverse styles while maintaining his mark on his instrument. The all-instrumental "InSpiral" is a magnificent tour de force, combining a modern sound with loads of electronics with endless magical and highly evocative riffs, phrasings, and solos. Standout contributors are found in the drum department (William Bur is forcefully slick throughout), as well as solid bass playing and subtle piano and keyboards. I was immediately reminded of William Orbit's series of Strange Cargo albums, a modern electronic prog with real instruments that I find particularly exciting. Another distant comparison can be made to the three wonderful Lebowski albums, a cinematic approach to progressive instrumental rock of the finest order.

All ten tracks are absolutely first-class workouts that have energy, spirit, melody, and atmosphere in spades (as well as clubs, diamonds, and hearts). Boffo's guitar technique, while remaining quite unique, does have similarities with Oldfield in terms of melody, but one can throw in a dash of Andy Summers, Robert Fripp's more mathematical playing or even a hint of Andy Latimer. These splotches of electronica, jazz, blues, and prog make this a unique tapestry of exhilarating musical adventure that should not go unnoticed.

All tracks presented here are highlights, such as the breezy Saharan feel of the terrific opener "Fly Away", the bouncy space rock of "Cosmic Blossom" and its wobbly guitar lead (reminiscent of Chris Isaak's Wicked Game) adding a bruising bass line that is breathtaking. "Childhood Dream" shuffles along with insistent shimmering guitars, a bluesy masterpiece with more rolling bass and solid drums pushing the mood along, followed by the serenely moody "Seed of Light" that chooses to toss in some mathematical phrasings that are as stunning and intricate as those expounded by the Crimson guru. Things become dreamier with the Camel-esque aroma on "Epicycle", where the lead guitar line has a melody that is absolutely exquisitely chiseled, I must have heard this in my mind when I was a child, it seems that familiar and comfortable.

Moving things along, "Blue Nebula" has another jubilant guitar strain that just screams out excellence, faithfully accompanied by an assortment of sequenced synth pings and pongs, in a cascade of sound that impresses to no end. As a counterpoint, the aptly titled "Inner World" offers a placid, contemplative pillow of sound on which the surfing guitar can stretch out finely woven threads that seem to glitter in the blazing sunshine.

Back to more electronic mayhem with the clever "Connection Breakdown", probably the most experimental piece yet, what with all the manic snippets of folly twisting in and out, while a reptilian bass line ravages the undergrowth, with frenzied drum patterns akimbo, the entire attitude spastic and slightly deranged. "Space Time" is a reload into more celestial realms, introducing various voice effects, until the overpowering guitar takes the stage with a whopping solo, building up into a vortex of sound, all control and effect, that will blow some minds, I am sure.

The majestic beauty of "Night Sky" takes this to bed, as one can be found lying on some fresh grass, peering up to the stars and taking in the unfathomable beauty of the universe. Marshaling drums serve as a guiding light for the sensuous guitar solo that shows only restraint and feeling, The Conservatory of Metz choir adds an angelic quality that is grandiose and divine.

A tremendous instrumental release, his best work yet, of that I have no doubt. This needs an audience. The artwork, sound and production are top notch. Give it a serious listen and maybe a review .

4.5 Motivated swirls