If there's any mystery about how to sustain an instrumental career over nearly two decades, just ask
Earl Klugh for the solution. Judging from the well-traveled acoustic guitarist's body of work, it seems to lie in staying true to a certain sweet sound but continually changing the rhythmic and production trappings. After a few ambitious jaunts into the orchestral realm,
Klugh on
Move shakes up the formula with a mixed bag of logical twists: exotic percussion, African chant vocals, odd vocal effects, swinging rock-blues, and urban-flavored grooves. The result is an inspired new freshness. While sticking to his slick, melodic string style,
Klugh infuses more aggressive energy into the pot. A few times, he even lets a harmonica and sax take the lead voice.
Klugh's warm flavors have never gone out of style, but it's nice to get a visit from an old friend bearing new and unique gifts. ~ Jonathan Widran