This guy can pick and that's an understatement to be honest. Wariner sets a blaze his guitars many times during Guitar Laboratory which is great because he's not really showcased his fretboard abilities to this degree on an album before. On track two "A Groove" he proves that he's a better six string slinger that Eric Clapton as he plays a very Slow Hand type groove and does so with ease. Eric Johnson who also comes to mind while listening to the song but Johnson is just so technically perfect on record that he loses the organic feel and emotion where Steve does not.
The ragtime "Goody 2 Shoes" is a fun little ditty which should get some serious plays on my I-pod. There are moments where I hear Roy Clark's influence in his style which takes me back to childhood and the music my grandad played while I was at that influential age still forming my likes and dislikes. I Just adore "Waikiki" which again takes me back to childhood. The song hits all the right chords with me and I would have to say it is my favorite on the album because it makes me smile instantly each time I hear it. After a couple of smooth Jazz numbers Steve cranks it up a little for the bluesy rock number "Sting Ray" that showcases another side of his playing. I don't consider this track a standout but it is a nice chance of pace.
The album closes with a nineteen second sweeping interlude that brings this very good instrumental album to a classy close. Instrumental albums are rarely this strong beginning to end thankfully this one can be added to the short list of top shelf ones.
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