The Steve Howe Album is Yes guitarist Steve Howe's second solo album. It was released in 1979. The album features Yes band members Alan White, Bill Bruford and Patrick Moraz. Also featured is Jethro Tull's former drummer Clive Bunker on percussion on Cactus Boogie. Ronnie Leahy is also featured on keyboards for two songs; he would later play with Jon Anderson on his second solo album, Song of Seven in 1980.

Critical reception

The Globe and Mail wrote that the album "is a nightmare in over-dubs, and despite the fact that Howe's playing ... is technically precise, it has all the passion of a chess match between two computers." AllMusic, on the other hand, said that this "is his most essential recording" and "a culmination of everything Howe represents, every genre of music he loves so dearly, exquisitely played and arranged."

Track listing

All songs written by Steve Howe except where noted.

Side one

Side two

1. "Meadow Rag" – 2:40
2. "The Continental" (Con Conrad, Herb Magidson) – 2:50
3. "Surface Tension" – 3:25
4. "Double Rondo" (music by Steve Howe; orchestrated by Andrew Jackman) – 8:12
5. "Concerto in D (Second Movement)" (Vivaldi; arranged by Steve Howe) – 4:50

Personnel

Guitars used on the recording

The inner part of the gatefold album artwork features pictures of the guitars that were used during the recording and a legend to indicate the tracks on which they were played. The photographs of the guitars are credited to Miki Slingsby.

Charts