But with his boundless creativity spanning all the styles from rock to jazz to rhythm and blues, not to mention his world class chops and world class credits, Mark Doyle reigns supreme.

Now he's solidified his hold on the throne with his second all-instrumental CD in a row, the self-proclaimed "Out of the Past," a mind-blowing tribute to the sounds of the Sixties.

"I conceived 'Out of the Past' as an album of modern guitar instrumental reinterpretations of classic rock, jazz and pop songs from the late 1950s to mid-'60s, plus two new originals that pay homage to the period," Doyle said.

He focuses specifically on the year 1966, with cool-as-hell covers of tunes such as The Doors' "Moonlight Drive," The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows," The Stones' "Paint It Black" and Cream's "Politician." "To me, 1966 was the time when everything came together and you could hear fuzz guitars, theremins, tablas and vibes all blending together into a psychedelic melting pot."

Of course, it's not the same old window pane. . . it never is with Mark Doyle. With his studio acumen and digital dynamism, he brings a new byte to the old acid brew, even when he's picking that vintage 1968 Gibson SG.

The focus is on Doyle's scintillating six string work, but it's supported by a capable cast of collaborators including drummers Keith Harris and Chris Yeoman, Senegalese percussionist Ibrahima Camara and drum loop programmer Richard Mendelson. Lee De La Casas deserves special mention for the loan of his Optigan and theremin - you don't get to hear those sound-wave oscillating gizmos much any more!

Otherwise, Doyle plays all the instruments and synthesizers and, with his producer's precision and his artist's passion, his arrangements evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, from the arrogance of "Politician" to the resignation of "It's All in the Game."

Not only are the performances and production work awe-inspiring on "Out of the Past." So is the CD's packaging. With an eye-catching blood red and canary yellow motif, art director Gretta Gallivan has aptly captured the Sixties Zeitgeist while keeping the images sleek and sharp as the 21st Century. Michelle Gabel's photography also visually extends the "past-meets-present" metaphor.

With its rock 'n' roll orientation, "Out of the Past" is a perfect follow-up to Doyle's previous all-instrumental effort, 1999 Local Record of the Year "Guitar Noir," inspired by those sinewy, shadowy film noir movie themes from the '40s and '50s.

When you head to the record shop to pick up "Out of the Past," make sure to get "Guitar Noir" as well -- you'll be awed by the width and breadth of Doyle's technique and vision.

Sad but true, instrumental projects rarely make a splash on the club scene but Doyle's not going to let that stop HIM. He'll dive right in August 17th at Armory High (formerly Styleen's), 314 S. Franklin Street.

Be there or be square! For information on Doyle and his CDs, log on to his web site, beautifully designed by Webmaster Conan, www.markdoyle.com. - Russ Tarby