Sketches in the Sun

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Sketches in the Sun by Steve Howe, spinning from his 1994 live album Not Necessarily Acoustic right here at THE ZOO! This track, originally from the 1986 self-titled album by GTR, a supergroup featuring Howe and Steve Hackett, is a shimmering instrumental that showcases Howe’s virtuosic guitar work. On Not Necessarily Acoustic, Howe performs it solo on a Martin 12-string guitar, tuned in dropped D (D-A-D-G-B-E), creating a radiant, sun-drenched sound that feels like a warm breeze. Fans on the Telecaster Guitar Forum rave about its charm, with one devotee confessing it’s the first thing they play when handed a 12-string, a testament to its enduring appeal among guitar enthusiasts. The live version, recorded during Howe’s 1993 solo tour, possibly at Philadelphia’s Theatre of the Living Arts or Montreal’s Café Campus, strips the song to its core, highlighting his ability to weave intricate melodies without a backing band.

Digging into the song’s trivia, Sketches in the Sun stands out as one of only a few GTR tracks Howe chose to reinterpret for his solo acoustic performances. According to ProgArchives, the song is part of a setlist on Not Necessarily Acoustic that spans Howe’s career, including Yes classics and solo works, but its inclusion nods to GTR’s brief but impactful moment in the mid-’80s. The original GTR version featured lush production typical of the era, but Howe’s acoustic rendition transforms it into a more intimate, pastoral piece. A tab enthusiast on TabScout notes “remarkable differences” between the GTR and live versions, emphasizing Howe’s creative reinterpretation. While no direct quotes from Howe about the song’s inspiration exist in recent interviews, his 2020 Louder interview reflects his love for experimentation, suggesting Sketches in the Sun embodies his knack for blending rock with classical and folk influences.

Now, let’s rewind to how Steve Howe, the wizard behind this track, kicked off his legendary career. Born April 8, 1947, in Holloway, North London, Howe fell in love with the guitar at age 10 but didn’t get his first one—a Christmas gift f-hole acoustic—until 12. Self-taught, he shunned formal lessons and learned by ear, mimicking records by Bill Haley & the Comets. By 1964, at just 17, he was gigging with London-based bands like The Syndicats, diving into blues, covers, and psychedelic rock. His early days were raw; a disastrous first gig at The Swan in Tottenham, where his band didn’t rehearse or tune, briefly soured him on live performances. But Howe’s persistence paid off, leading to stints with Tomorrow and Bodast before his big break in 1970, when he joined Yes. His innovative blend of acoustic and electric guitar redefined the band’s progressive rock sound, cementing his status as a guitar hero, as detailed on Wikipedia and Rock Music Universe.

Stay connected with Steve Howe’s cosmic journey through his official website, where you’ll find tour dates, discography, and more. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for updates on his latest projects, though he’s less active on X, where posts are sparse but still worth a peek. Zoo Freaks can also join the vibrant fan community at the Steve Howe Official Fan Group on Facebook, a hub for sharing love for his music. For deeper dives, check out fan-driven sites like The Great Rock Bible or ProgArchives, where devotees dissect his expansive catalog. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO for more psychedelic vibes and Howe’s timeless riffs!