Guitar-centered instrumental albums too often fall prey to the very musical virtuosity they intend to showcase. But ex-Living Colour axman Vernon Reid mostly succeeds here with a democratic musical approach that makes the diverse framework for his typically fluid fretwork often as compelling as the soloing it supports. Abetted by bandmates Leon Gruenbaum (keyboards), Hank Schroy (bass), and new drummer Don McKenzie on this second Masque album (and third Reid solo-oriented project overall), the guitarist explores everything from the space-thrash of the opening "Game is Rigged" and more faithful reggae of "Flatbush and Church Revisited" to unlikely covers of Depeche Mode"s "Enjoy the Silence" and Radiohead"s "National Anthem." While the guitarist gives unusual creative leeway to his bandmates throughout, Reid claims the album"s central theme as his own: a multi-faceted musical autobiography that variously evinces itself on the traditional fusion of "Afrerika," the languorous jazz cool of "G," and the neo-classicism of "Prof. Bebey." --Jerry McCulley