The Paris-born Vietnamese guitarist Nguyên Lê has established one of the most standout, highly colourful project-based discographies on the ACT label. From recordings such as Million Waves (1995) and trio E_L_B with Peter Erskine and Michel Benita, through to a couple of all-star tributes to Jimi Hendrix, these give voice to his Vietnamese heritage from a contemporary perspective that eloquently combines jazz, progressive rock and his interest in cross-cultural roots music. Aside from his Southeast Asian origins, Lê’s music also draws inspiration from folk sources as far afield as India, Maghreb and Poland. Streams is, however, more jazz ensemble-orientated. Alongside Lê is French vibraphonist Illya Amar and a rhythm section featuring experienced Canadian bassist Chris Jennings and New York-based drummer John Hadfield, whose pan-cultural sensibilities sit well with Lê’s own. The guitarist’s usual good taste and understated elegance is clear, even if the cutting-edge dialogue created between the roots and jazz music of the previous two decades’ recordings might have lost out to a more mainstream kind of jazz fusion. Nevertheless, Lê’s unique approach and fiery charm can’t help but engage both his fans and new listeners.