Working well within a warm, predominantly acoustic sound, guitarist
Glen Helgeson's debut is a collection of nine shimmering, gliding contemporary instrumental tunes. Augmenting his acoustic, harp, and electric guitar is the inventive percussion of Marc Anderson, as well as mandolinist
Peter Ostroushko; pianist
Richard Dworsky shines on the light, slightly wistful "Unseen Rain." While his music isn't necessarily one or the other,
Helgeson is influenced by both contemporary jazz and world music on
Rising Currents. His guitar trades solos with synthesizers and horns on "Walking the Unknown Trail," while "Far North" and "Virgin Aire" incorporate Latin percussion and wordless, bossa nova-style supporting vocals. Throughout, it's
Helgeson's talented guitar work that shines. His material can run together a bit, but it's never bland. A tiny, finely crafted solo is always right around the corner to make things interesting. Sure to appeal to guitar aficionados, or any fans of contemporary instrumental work in any genre,
Rising Currents is a promising debut from
Helgeson. ~ Johnny Loftus