In the Maze

aficionados will recognize banjoist as a former member of Colorado legends . On his solo debut he continues to explore the jazzy side of acoustic music, teaming up with mandolinist , guitarist , fiddler , and bassist to deliver a solid set of original compositions that constantly meander back and forth across the boundary lines that separate , , and music. Unsurprisingly, given that he's a former student of both and 's playing style is melodic rather than , but many of his compositions -- especially and the lovely -- hark back explicitly to the good old days of breakdowns, while others (notably the deliriously complex and beautiful ) split the difference between tradition and innovation, and still others (like the title track) trade speed and energy for a contemplative lyricism. The two tracks that are not compositions ( 's ) are both perfectly nice, but not as noteworthy as his own compositions. Overall, this is a very impressive debut from a young but already well-established solo artist. Recommended. ~ Rick Anderson