Acoustic Guitar Trio: Acoustic Guitar Trio

Unpredictable as ever, Incus have released an album rich in melody and harmony, neither typical of the Incus catalogue. If an electric guitar can produce some of the most violent of improvised music, an acoustic guitar is potentially both soothing and melodic. When three of them play together, the soundscape verges on lush.

Listened to in mono, these three guitars interact so closely that they frequently become as one. In stereo, the individual contributions are separated and one can hear who is doing what. McAuley (on the right of the stereo image throughout) emerges as the more dominant voice, often initiating melodic lines that the others then support. Cline typically opts for more abstract, filigree detail, making it more difficult for the others to follow him. Poole's bowed guitar gives the sound variety and depth, particularly on the lengthy "Seventeen Step," the outstanding piece here.

This album is a testament to the enduring health, vitality and variety of free improvisation. It also typifies an increasing convergence between improv and "inside" forms.