Ascend

Released in 1999, Ascend represents a pivotal moment in Greg Howe's discography, further distancing him from his early Shrapnel Records neoclassical roots and solidifying his identity as a premier jazz-fusion innovator. The album is notable for its inclusion of a sprawling, nearly ten-minute cover of Rush's 'La Villa Strangiato,' which showcases Howe's ability to reinterpret progressive rock staples through his unique high-gain, legato-heavy lens. Featuring the tight rhythmic support of bassist Vitalij Kuprij (on keys) and drummer Jon Doman, the record balances aggressive hard rock textures with sophisticated harmonic movements. Critically, it is often cited for its exceptional production quality, which maintains a dry, punchy clarity that allows every nuance of Howe's intricate picking and sliding to be heard. It stands as a bridge between the technical excess of the 80s and the more groove-oriented fusion of the 2000s.