Flying in a Blue Dream

An hour-long disc filled with musical explorations and compositions that defy belief, is unquestionably at his absolute best. Breaking his all-instrumental tradition for the first time, he croons on six of the disc's 18 tracks, including the weird ; and the bluesy, hard-rocking ; and the driving 's voice isn't extraordinary, but it fits extremely well with the music he creates, especially on the acoustic-tinged, uplifting It's his playing that's the really impressive thing here, though; his unique tone and complex song structures are enhanced by his signature playing style and the incredible array of effects and tricks he wrestles out of his instrument. The disc closes with the high-flying, misty piece leaving behind a feeling of real wonder. Soaring, powerful, and triumphant, this recording deserves a place in everyone's collection. ~ Phil Carter