Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Despite having a decades long musical history (Blaine recorded his first Jesus music album in 1975 and in more recent times has recorded dozens of albums with his family group - currently named Blaine Bowman & His Good Time Band) I have only recently stumbled across this Ohio man's music and discovered how stunningly eclectic he is. Despite having made many country and Southern gospel recordings on this largely instrumental set he shows himself to be an extraordinarily versatile guitarist able to play jazz fusion, Western swing, rock and on the nine minute 57 seconds "A Really Long Blues Song With Friends" electric blues. One of the musicians Blain sites as an influence and inspiration is Hadley Hockensmith and sure enough, Bowman can play one of the 10 guitars featured on the 'Among Friends' CD photo with the same kind of warmth and fluidity which made the Koinonia man such an outstanding musician. I love the album's opener "Feeling Melodic" and the closer "Rest Awhile". If you're looking for jazz fusion with a mellow, summery vibe 'Among Friends' is an album to search out.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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