Kansas Acoustic Arts Association

Talents such as Bruce Huss don't just fall from walnut trees and View From The Top finds the guitarist/vocalist in fine form, particularly when he's delivering savory guitar-driven pieces such as the classically-inflected "Stella's Cabin," or the bright rays of sunshine heard on "L-5 Jive." It's tunes such as those that make it hard to believe that this serves as Huss' debut, that we haven't heard more from him sooner or in wider circles.

At times reminiscent of Michael Hedges' work or the dreamiest, most ethereal moments of David Crosby's under heard If I Could Only Remember My Name the instrumental compositions here couldn't shine brighter or seep deeper into your soul — in fact "Mahogany" and "Scruffbucket" will leave you as breathless on the fifteenth listen as on the first.

As for the vocal pieces — and there are a few here, including the opening (and award-winning) "Acoustical Romance" and "Clean Getaway," both of which find Huss the guitarist in top shape while demonstrating that Huss the vocalist and lyricist — at least in the studio — isn't always equal to his other half. While neither of these tunes is as memorable as their wordless counterparts they don't mar the proceedings beyond recognition, which is nice.

This is a strong, strong showing from Huss and if we're lucky there'll be plenty more from him in the future and although it might be hard to equal the brightest moments here you can be certain that he'll give it his best try.