Northeastern U.S.-based 9-string archtop jazz guitarist Michael Coppola developed the concept of the 8-string guitar in the late 1980s and later expanded it to 9 strings. On this instrument he can achieve the tightly-voiced chords used by jazz pianists, and a harp-like effect in single note lines. On this album he returns to a trio setting of guitar, bass and drums. Fans of the sophisticated jazz guitar style of George Van Eps, Lenny Breau and Joe Pass will enjoy this album.
"Hydra" is Coppola's nine-stringed guitar, named after the nine-headed monster of Greek mythology. This is his second album. 9th string allows Michael to play a bass line along with himself, especially noticeable on the solo track.