When
Fareed Haque was recording for I.R.S.' Pangaea label in the late '80s, there was ample reason to believe he would become a major player in fusion and crossover. The Chicago guitarist had a lot going for him -- impressive technique, sensitivity and an appealing sound that was influenced by
Al DiMeola and
Pat Metheny. But
Haque's '80s and '90s albums have fallen between the cracks, and that's exactly what happened with
Voices Rising. Even by jazz standards, this 1988 release was a modest seller. That's unfortunate because one can hear a lot of potential on introspective, melodic
Haque originals like "Rain Dance," "Winter's Tale" an "War of the Worlds." Things get sappy and embarrassing on "To Me, You Are a Song," which borders on elevator music. But for the most part,
Voices Rising demonstrates how rewarding the guitarist can be when he lets his creativity take control.