Askold Buk - Askold Buk
This new release from Askold Buk introduces the guitarist to a music community who was already aware of him, via his highly regarded work as a guitar instructor. Buk, a regular contributor to Guitar World and Guitar World Acoustic, also appears in numerous instructional videos, including John Scofield: Jazz-Funk Guitar, and the B.B. King Blues Master Series.
Buk's debut CD reveals a remarkable self-discipline; despite virtuosic technique (Buk sounds as though he has a large amount of experience playing country/bluegrass music), the guitarist approaches the music from a minimalist perspective, and rarely displays the full fury of his fiery chops.
Stylistically, the fully-instrumental album drifts seamlessly through "guitar rock", bluegrass, funk, and jazz genres. The writing is strong throughout; Buk keeps the mood light and fun, and the result is a collection of tunes that are easily accessible, hummable, and highly enjoyable. Standouts include the somewhat Bill Frisell-ish sounding "Wondering", and the catchy "One More Bar", which sounds like a modern interpretation of a Wes Montgomery groove.
By including Hammond organ (Charlie Giordano), trumpet (Ken Fradley), and saxophone (Jack Waltrip, Bob Sherwin) on several tracks, Buk has added some nice additional colors to the recording. One minor quibble; occasionally the music drifts into an "Askold Buk plus rhythm section" atmostphere. It would have been nice to hear Buk in a somewhat more interactive environment, as most grooves have been set up so not a whole lot of interplay between players is possible. Having said that, Askold Buk's debut CD is a lot of fun, and if this CD is any indication, great things are on the musical horizon for the guitarist.

Jonas Hellborg/Shawn Lane - Zenhouse
In many ways, Zenhouse can be likened to a cross-country run... it's a long journey, but, upon completion, you're quite glad that you undertook it.
Recorded live in an art gallery in a remote part of Sweden , Zenhouse features only 3 musicians: Shawn Lane on acoustic guitar, Jonas Hellborg on ovation acoustic double-neck bass guitar, and apt. Q-258 (yes, that's his/her name) on percussion. On the opening "The House Stands Still", begins in a dreamy, meter-less, spacious manner, all played over a continually droning low B. The musicians take turns improvising, alternating between several scales to create, and release tension. The music is extremely minimal... enough so to hear occasional quitened coughs from audience members. Gradually, a tempo is implied, then, at about the 15 minute mark, stated, through the use of brushes on a snare. The intensity builds to a satisfying climax, and comes to a close at the 30 minute mark. The second composition, "Traces End Here", is similar in construction, although slightly more lighthearted in mood.
The music on Zenhouse certainly isn't for those lacking in patience; there are periods where less involved listeners might become restless. Those willing to sit intently and involve themselves in the music, however, will find the experience truly rewarding.

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