Best Of Archives · Steve Tibbetts

Hellbound Train – Absolute Sound Review

Steve Tibbetts is less famous than some other guitarists in the ECM catalog, such as Ralph Towner, Terje Rypdal, Pat Metheny, and Bill Frisell. This 2-CD retrospective shows why he deserves equal attention. As obsessive in his sequencing as he is in layering his compositions, Tibbetts sampled the endings and beginnings of 28 pieces and programmed the songs into a non-chronological narrative flow.

Hellbound Train – Downbeat Review

Hellbound Train is a collection that moves seamlessly from atmospheric world music to industrial rock to experimental acoustic jazz and everything in between. Each song flows seamlessly into the next while also referencing a consistent set of textures and themes throughout. The hypertextual nature of this anthology perfectly encapsulates Tibet’s signature sound and methodical artistry.

Hellbound Train – Santa Cruz Sentinel Review

“Hellbound Train” is the new double album from extraordinary guitarist Steve Tibbetts. His music is energizing and calming while moving across terrains of cascading 12-string guitar to explosive electric distortion and feedback. As always, Tibbetts is accompanied by the driving, tribal rhythms of Marc Anderson.