Silkroad/Kinu-Michi - 2nd is actually Japanese guitarist Koji Tsumoto's third all instrumental CD (following the path laid out by Silkroad/Kinu-Michi - 1st), and this one is billed as the next installment of "the ultimate modal instrumental progressive rock from Asia." Fiery guitar riffs and nimble solos eminate from the speakers as Tsumoto drives home his message, blending hard rock and progressive elements. Tsumoto's guitar playing travels a lot of musical ground, almost paralleling the story (in Japanese, in the liner notes) of the Silk Road on which the album is based. Another fine effort by one of Japan's up-and-coming axemen. Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Hard Rock), total running time, 47:22