Preston Glasgow Lowe: Something About Rainbows

Several points of note emanate from this second Preston Glasgow Lowe album which smartly follows-up their eponymous debut album (Whirlwind, 2016). The first is that David Preston still employs his trademark tintinnabulating guitar tone. Then there's Laurie Lowe's drumming which even on a quiet-ish number like "Fumes" is subtly spectacular.

"Beat 5" continues in the same vein as its predecessor, but things change dramatically on the title track. If this is jazz shredding then it's of a very high calibre and the proof is provided by Preston's take-no-prisoners solo, channelling the fast and fluid style of the late axe paragon Allan Holdsworth.

"May" is ballad-like in its tranquillity, whereas "Truex" employs a keen descending guitar melody before stretching out to allow Kevin Glasgow room for some lithe six-string bass guitar lines and more coruscating soloing from Preston. Lowe's brief drum intro to "3D Weirdos" cedes to a hypnotic bass beat and crystalline guitar melody which gradually picks up pace before reverting to the head once more.

The longest and most complex number is the pithily-titled "HWH" which, despite not being reliant on sturm und drang guitar work, manages to afford masterclass opportunities for Lowe's incandescent drumming. Individually these three musicians are true virtuosos on their respective instruments but collectively they are a powerhouse of originality and drive.

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