On Haptikon, Elliott Sharp moves into the more mainstream world of jazz fusion, with obvious influences from rock and Indian music. Sharp has a tendency on other albums to present too self-indulgent music, as with many fusion guitarists and tenor opera singers, yet that’s less the case here. Assisted by programmed music on computer, with recognisable bass and drums, the guitarists plays layers of electric guitar in loops and manipulated sound, and the end result is really compelling, hopefully also to non-jazz fans. David Torn comes to mind at times, and that’s a good reference, and on “Phosphenes” the most bluesy of the tracks, Hendrix comes to mind, and that’s not a bad reference either, on “Pireps“, his high bended and sustained notes are reminiscent of David Gilmour, and that’s equally not a bad reference. Sharp avoids high speed solos and the kind of look-what-I-can pyrotechnics, rather focusing on creating great compositions and sound experiences, and at times incredibly strong dramatic effects. The joy of electric guitar.
Stef