Englishman Mark Knopfler has never been an outspoken role model for solo guitarists. Yet his clear and fragile guitar playing had an undisputed influence on the guitar world, since 1978 when he scored a world hit with his band with the stylish Sultans Of Swing. Despite his virtuoso technique, he has never been a string exhibitionist and knows how to effortlessly put his playing at the service of
… the repertoire, varying from his own work to soundtracks and collaborations with artists such as and . On the strikingly aggressively titled Kill To Get Crimson, Knopfler is in his usual - somewhat from borrowed - relaxed mood. In a dozen folky and bluesy songs without any real ups and downs, it is nothing but pleasant to stay. What is striking is that former journalist Knopfler is also an excellent lyricist in mildly ironic observations such as Secondary Waltz and We Can Get Wild. The latter does not seem like an option for Knopfler, this laid back music is fine for him. (MR)more