Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Essex-based Steve Liberty has been playing all types of guitar for over 30 years, particularly rock lead and rhythm guitar. He also plays regularly in his local church and works as an experienced guitar tutor. Four or so years in the making, 'The Moment' is Steve's first solo recording. It is a concept album about moments in time that have deeply impacted Steve's life. Six of the seven tracks on offer - all self-created - consist of several parts, each with varying styles, tempos and themes. Steve stylistically terms the album "progressive/experimental rock", and certainly the tracks comprise novel, adventurous soundscapes, with occasional singing or spoken narratives (the latter I found slightly irritating). So, themes include childhood fascinations with the wonders of the universe, musical "thoughts" about initial Creation, and "Coming Soon?", a 15-minute melodrama exploring Armageddon and the end of the world. My favourite "moment" is "Seize The Day", a gentler, acoustic piece where Steve shows off his impressive classical guitar skills. There's no doubting Liberty's high-calibre instrumental skills, nor his imaginative powers though 'The Moment' isn't the most accessible of listening experiences.

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