Fresh, melodic, straight-ahead: what's not to like about Baker's solo acoustic debut? Baker has long been among the nation's respected teachers but here he lets his copious hair down with a series of life-affirming compositions across a range of styles. The only cover is a splendidly irreverent ‘Cherokee’ that he rips through on his Gibson ES-175. Indeed, one of this release's pleasures is how Baker contrasts the tonal qualities of the Gibson with his Spanish-made classical guitar. To assume Life Suite is limited by Baker's choice to stick to ‘acoustic’ guitar is to miss out on the almost orchestral range of dynamics and feel that Baker explores. So while ‘Recession Blues’ is a down and dirty blues on the Gibson, ‘Longing For Autumn’ is lush with a mellow latin vibe, harmonics sprinkled across it like sun sparkling upon a stream. There'll be more hyped guitar albums to enjoy this year, but few as accomplished or warm-souled as Life Suite.