YR

YR is the most charming Steve Tibbetts album I've discovered so far. Although it's similar in concept to THE FALL OF US ALL, which I reviewed earlier (bass and Indian-style percussion lay down repetitive rhythms over which Tibbetts plays solos on both acoustic and electric guitars), the mood is much mellower and dreamier. The first half of THE FALL OF US ALL sounds terribly hectic and the second half sounds despondent; YR, on the other hand, contains quite a few passages that will remind you of early Genesis at their most romantic (think of the opening sections of 'Musical Box' or 'The Cinema Show') without ever getting sentimental. It seems inconceivable that Tibbetts was unfamiliar with Genesis' music. He also includes passages where he plays solos against a lovely background of kalimba and vases (!) and fortunately he's wise enough not to see virtuosity as an end in itself.

YR has far more in common with sophisticated instrumental rock than with any kind of jazz. It should appeal to anyone who enjoys guitar-playing that's poetic as well as energetic; I can imagine it will be liked by admirers of Steve Hillage, David Torn, Brand X, Jade Warrior and (early) Mike Oldfield. Strongly recommended!