The striking cover image of an abandoned swing illuminated against a field of glittering stars makes a compelling visual metaphor for the music on Close. “Music is a twilight language, ” Steve Tibbetts confirms. “The job is to translate some shadow into sound. ” On his 11th ECM release the Minnesotan guitarist resumes the quest, slowly developing his yearning improvised melodies over layered loops and drones and darkly rumbling percussion.

If the sound colours, including distorted electric guitar and sparkling 12 string acoustic, make this music of the west, its gradual, almost hypnotic unfolding continues to suggest eastern affinities. “I am still reaching for the evocative sound of Sultan Khan, ” says Tibbetts, speaking of the late Indian sarangi master whose playing has long been among his major influences.