Guitarist Earl Klugh was pioneering "smooth jazz" long before the media had ever given it a name. His highly polished fingerpicking and relaxed grooves were the template by which later artists would create the adult contemporary phenomenonthat would forever change the climate of contemporary instrumental music. His tastefully self-produced HEART STRING is a testament to the guitarist both as a musician and a stylist. Sticking mostly to acoustic and nylon-string guitars, Klugh weaves sparkling melodies and slick, yet brief solos over funky mid-tempo grooves flavoured with electric keyboards and dramatic strings. Though jazz purists may frown on Klugh's highly commercial stylistic trappings, it's undeniable that he's a consummate arranger, orchestrator and guitarist capable of attractive sonic textures and intricate melodic invention. Highlights include the soothing title track, the flavourful "Spanish Night", and Klugh's short solo ballad "Waiting for Cathy".