It's a bit unnerving to review a disc by one of my all-time idols. Additionally, the stigma attached to my trepidation seems to have grown to the size of New Jersey, due largely to the fact that Andy Summers hasn't impressed me musically in nearly twenty years. Every one of his solo outings leaves me with the same reaction: "Crap, maybe next time."

Although I'm not completely convinced that Summers is living up to his potential, Earth + Sky is nearly there. Here, Summers attacks jazz fusion, though his "Summersisms" give the album as much of a King Crimson or Rush vibe as they do Weather Report. His big fat chorus-pedal chords, holding the patchwork harmony together, present a musical dichotomy and give a unique, if sometimes off-putting, take on this style.

Summers ably holds down solo duties as well, often multi-tracking several layers of distinctly affected guitars into otherworldly textures -- particularly on "Earth and Sky". "Parallels" and "Return" infuse the mix with Segovia-style chops; Summers shows off his diversity and ability to make a melange of styles work well together. Unfortunately, the smooth-jazz factor sometimes sneaks in, as on "Now I'm Free" and "Circus", though the band adds a few blue notes here and there to keep the tracks from heading too far into the Prozac zone. Bassist Abraham Laboriel and former Zappa and Sting drummer Vinnie Coliuta, joining the backing band, bring a nice dynamic to Summers's music -- sitting reverently when needed, breaking away when given the chance.

I respect the fact that Summers is writing what he wants and ignoring expectations, and I can certainly understand the challenges involved in merely getting out of The Police's shadow. Earth + Sky probably won't be Summers's most successful album, but it's a decisive new chapter in his career.