Voices in the Wind

Silver Wave was the place in the early '90s for artists whose music was a little light to be jazz, but a bit too interesting to be new age. After wonderful efforts that year by Peter Kater and Steve Haun, another Colorado band hit the melodic mark in the form of Wind Machine. Voices in the Wind is smooth and delectable if hardly challenging, and the most remarkable thing is that the least impressive aspect of the guitar driven ensemble is the guitar work. More remarkable are the keyboard and bass solos. Acoustic and electric guitarist Steve Mesple is a fine composer, though he tends to play it safe, and his son Taylor's acoustic work gives the disc atmosphere, while Michael Olson's fluid basslines provide some moodiness. Rounding out the Mesple family affair is second son Ethan with the unobtrusive percussion.