ALBUM: The Steve Howe Album (1979)
MVC Rating: 4.0/$$$
I had forgotten how good this album is. Mostly instrumental, this album has Howe showing off a precise and beautiful touch on guitar and other string instruments. Songs are varied and probably would be labeled progressive rock like his band Yes. But much of it is jazzy folk and a little country (English style.
But that doesn’t aptly describe the variety and quality of the music . ‘Pennants’ opens it up with a riffy rock feel. ‘DIary of a Man Who Vanished’ is melodic and enduring. ‘Meadow Rag’ i s what it says it is and very well played. ‘Cactus Boogie’ is too what it says it is. These songs are so disparate yet they all seem so familiar, like they belong together.
On the gatefold, Howe shows off his instruments in photos. Quite a collection includes a Martin 0018, a Kohno Spanish guitar. a Gibson Les Paul, a Danelectro Coral Sitar Guitar and a Fender Telecaster , among others. Probably well over $100,000 or way more for these precious instruments.
Speaking of worth. I don’t know how rare this album is but the Howe album I have fetches $20 to $30 on Discogs. If I remember, I bought this one new in Athens, Ga. during my freshman year at UGA, 1979.