By: M.J. Brady
kiesWideOpen is a highly melodic and tone rich guitar CD. John Inman, shows that he is willing to cast aside fiery guitar heroics in favor of writing significant songs that are very insightful. His playing draws from many influences, particularly jazz, and fusion music. It's always a nice change of pace to hear a guitarist work on music that encompasses atmosphere, as well as energy, and progressiveness, all while creating very listenable songs that will stay etched in your musical memory long after hearing them. Inman shows that a guitarist can utilize the many tonal outputs of the instrument to the fullest advantages, much in the same way players like Tim Pierce or Eric Johnson do. So what you are going to hear with this cd is a musician that is able to create from many different stylistic vantage points, moods, and styles. With a wealth of talented musicians backing him up, his approach to composing allows each member to make a statement on their respective instruments. he even has fellow Texas guitarist Michael Harris (His music is also reviewed here at Prognosis) contributing on the song Acrobat. Overall I like this CD, there are a couple songs that sound as if they were rushed to completion, and could have been edited for better results, yet this takes away nothing from the quality of musicianship and songwriting skills shown throughout the cd. If Eric Johnson, Tim Pierce are guitarists you enjoy listening to, this highly melodic CD, with it's hints of progressive/fusion elements will appeal to your tastes.
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