Steve Topping "Time And Distance"

Andy Holdsworth writes in the liner notes about guitarist Steve Topping's solo instrumental fusion release "Time And Distance", "Musical truth is abstract - in its genesis, and in its experience. The engines of its meaning are not represented on its surface - the source of its renewal will not be found there - in style. Music that is arrived at by the appropriation of style cannot be real. The vast cultural legact exerts such centrifugal force that it tempts us to go shopping in a candy store of styles - but our engagement in pre-existing contexts is only legitimised when distilled - through the small voice inside. Music that is arrived at by the distillation of style cannot but be real. No matter how simple the technical means or manner of expression, it is only through this process that we can ever hope to convey our interior experience, with which, at its still centre, music is joined." Topping's CD also features Allan Holdsworth's original I.O.U. rhythm section of Gary Husband (drums) and Paul Carmichael (bass).