On his ninth album for the ECM label since his debut back in 1981, the Minnesota-based guitarist Steve Tibbett continues his fascination with reflective, ethereal guitar soundscapes infiltrated by Americana, gamelan and other southeast Asian influences. Long-time percussionist Marc Anderson joins him here on a selection of the leader’s originals. His 12-string acoustic lays down gently revolving melodies that unwind and recoil in a soundworld of south Asian inflexions and artful ambience. As succinct right-hand piano lines converse with Tibbetts’ guitar, Anderson’s percussion and Kinney’s cello opens up the colour palette to more delicate shades, evoking elements of the acoustic blues of John Lee Hooker, as well as perhaps inevitably the rootsy contemporary guitar soundscape king himself, Bill Frisell. Yet, in spite of Tibbetts’ strong melodic sensibilities, there is little connection to the classic rock-pop culture adored by Frisell. In the end, Life Of will likely be an invigorating listen for those devoted to the style. As for the rest, the temptations of its hypnotic soundworld might be easier to resist.