Follow the Sun

Released in 2009, Follow the Sun represents a mature distillation of Craig Chaquico's post-Jefferson Starship career. While his early solo work helped define the 'New Age' boom of the 1990s, this album leans more heavily into a sophisticated 'Smooth Jazz' framework while retaining his signature nature-inspired themes. The record is notable for its geographic storytelling, with tracks like 'Azores Lisboa' and 'Lights Out San Francisco' suggesting a travelogue of coastal locales. Technically, Chaquico utilizes a bright, percussive acoustic tone that has become his hallmark, often layering multiple guitar tracks to create a 'wall of wood' sound. Critically, the album was received as a high-water mark for contemporary instrumental music, praised for its high production values and Chaquico's ability to maintain a melodic hook without the need for vocals. It stands as a definitive example of how classic rock sensibilities can be successfully translated into a peaceful, jazz-adjacent context.