On an all midi-instrument electronic showcase, guitarist Robert Lowe concentrates his electronic creativity on groove rather than melody. Although In My Life (Lowe-Down RLJ 31008-2; 66:12) contains some fascinating effects (a techno-frenzy of midi-sounds gives “Begin” a driving, hypnotic feel) and strong individual performances (Lowe’s fleet guitar work on “Lowe for Lowe,” Mark Kline’s singing sax providing an elemental counterpoint on “In My Life”), many of the compositions here come across as cold and uninvolving. Slapping percussion programs are at the center of tracks like “Running” and “Ms. V,” which despite some interesting guitar runs by Lowe lacks a strong melodic statement.
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