Jake Cinninger Jake Cinninger

A1 for a first solo album. Especially considering it was recorded on a Maxell XL II in his living room. It really shows is diversity and knowledge of music other than what he is doing in Umphrey's McGee

Multi-instrumentalist Jake Cinninger exhibits his extensively diverse guitar chops in a fascinating album of instrumentals that flit between Quiet Storm, heaving shredding, acoustic nocturnes and avant-gardism. Even in the cheesier moments there's still a spark of something more interesting like an Ali Farka Toure African blues riff, a bubbling moog-sampled didgeridoo soundscape, Michigan rain or a lawnmower (I said it is a fascinating album!). His guitar work is hard to place. The bluesy angular phrasing easily could be JM-inspired, whilst other tones tend towards Ian Hunter, Simon Emmerson (Afro-Celt Sound System) and the scratching wildplay of Sonny Sharrock. Strong compositions, depth, humour and superb playing make this first solo release a notable start for Jake Cinninger.