WHEN guitar maestro Adam Miller moved to Los Angeles in early 2019 he arrived wide-eyed and ready to be inspired by the fertile jazz scene of the Californian city.
There's certainly a sense of wonder at the heart of Miller's seventh album, Unify, his first to be recorded away from his native Newcastle.
Nothing is forced. Miller never succumbs to the narcissistic lure of virtuosity. Rather he allows the melody to follow its course. American bandmates Joel Gottschalk (bass) and Justin Glasco (drums) assist well in this endeavour by maintaining a steady support for Miller's melody.
Leaving begins with a jarring riff before skirting Americana territory and the ethereal Shipping is a gorgeous lament.
Miller gives Gottschalk and Glasco a chance to shine on the groovy stomp of Jungle Jungle which builds to an enthralling crescendo. But on Hustle, Miller wrestles back the spotlight as the track steadily rises to a Jimi Hendrix-style freak out.
Unify is proof the Californian experience has opened Miller's ears and fret board to a broader palette for his guitar.
3.5 stars
