js Although he is also a composer and instrument inventor, in the rock world Markus Reuter is mostly known for his Robert Fripp influenced guitar work in King Crimson related projects such as Stick Men and The Crimson Projek(Ct). On his new album, “Truce” Markus sets out on his own with Asaf Sirkis on drums and Fabio Trentini on bass for some fearless free form avnt psych-rock improvs. The Fripp/Crimson influence is still there, but you can also hear some of the same guitarists that influenced Robert, such as Pete Cosey, Terje Rypdal and Sonny Sharrock. Asaf and Fabio are an excellent rhythm section, and its often Trentini’s hard driving Bill Laswell influenced dubbish melodic bass lines that keep these jams together.

The opening track, titled the same as the album, is the top number with its energetic beat and clearly stated guitar onslaught. On this one Markus makes his case for being one of the top soloists in today’s crowded guitar pyro-technique field. From here the band plows into a couple of slow jams and then on to some somewhat scattered wanderings here and there. On “Let Me Touch”, Fabio tries to get the band back in the groove with a limber Jaco style bass line, but the guitar responds with a less distinct and heavily processed sound. There are good moments all the way to the end, but the tight focus of the opener never really returns.

The make or break for “Truce” is how much you enjoy hearing three very talented rock fusion musicians totally winging it without any pre-determined compositions. Its not easy pulling off a session like this and these three do about as well as anyone could hope to.