Australian-based pedal steel guitarist Paul Agar breaks new ground for a range of musical genres with the 2021 CD release of Across The Pacific. The debut release to feature Paul’s latest musical project, The South Pasifika Sound Project, Across The Pacific finds Paul working with various contributors to the recordings, including Australian/Samoan rhythm superstar Bobby Alu on log drum and percussion, Māori songstress Rewa Ututaonga, performing Karanga (Māori chant), and the Whitireia Performance Centre Choir performing the Cook Island chant. Elevating the sound to higher heights, the album also features Paul’s use of sound loops that features a range of session drummers. A delightful and sonically pleasing set of music that features truly ear-opening and wildly diverse sounds, the 8-track, 45-minute Across The Pacific blends steel guitar-centric vibes with a number of evocative genres that merges a variety of sounds from World Music to jazz and even the late 1950’s twang of New York City’s legendary steelers Santo & Johnny. Adding to the exotic South Pacific and Hawaiian instrumental guitar vibes, the addition of atmospheric Māori and Polynesian chanting on several tracks enhances the exotic rhythms and percussion. I could see fans of Martin Denny, Les Baxter and even guitar hero Les Paul’s also enjoying Paul Agar’s music. Filling out the steel guitar sound, Paul also adds in other guitars, keyboards and programming that enhances the World and jazz-based styles. Highlights of Across The Pacific are numerous, including track 4 “Matapa”, the Shadows / Hank Marvin sound of “Anahulu”, the tropical flair meets Beatles vibe of “Tagaqe” (pronounced Tang-a-gay), and the ethereal album-closer “Tarawera”. While available as a digital album on Amazon, listeners that still appreciate physical releases are well advised to pick up the CD of Across The Pacific as the artwork and packaging is superbly done, while also featuring track by track notes by Paul. The mix of Paul Agar’s atmospheric steel guitar with the intriguing log drum sounds and exotic indigenous vocal chanting makes Across The Pacific an essential instrumental listening experience.