He turns music into liquid. Sometimes it’s a refreshing drink, sometimes it’s a soothing rain, sometimes it’s a sea that will carry you off on a voyage of discovery. That’s the most immediate reaction I had when listening to Benji Kaplan‘s light touch on his new album, Untold Stories. On the disc’s nine tracks he displays a versatility that convinces you he could record a box-set and still have more to offer.

Kaplan’s technique as a jazz guitarist is the definition of virtuoso. He takes charge of each fingering and mines the notes for all of their meaning and nuance, all while conveying a sense of ease and inevitability to the event. He’s rather extraordinary, without being an exhibitionist. He seamlessly blends a song’s structure with his own improvisatory impulse, creating a unified, glorious experience.

To whoever started him on music lessons when he was a kid, I thank you.