Mar West is the third recording by the Tony Rice Unit and like their other recordings, it features some of the best acoustic musicians on the scene. Mar West showcases music closely resembling swing jazz, and if it seems less inspired than an earlier effort like Acoustics, it is nonetheless a good instrumental album. Compare it to a lesser effort by Stephane Grapelli and Django Reinhardt: Perhaps the song choice is less than perfect and the musicians less inspired than usual, but who would want to miss it? Sam Bush, Richard Greene, Mike Marshall, and Todd Phillips join Rice for eight instrumentals. The title cut, which opens the album, also reveals its shortcomings. "Mar West" is one of those fast, open-chorded instrumentals that Rice enjoys writing. Rice kicks the piece off with quick-paced flat-picking that is technically perfect, but the solo continues for too long and is lacking in feeling. More successful is the measured "Waltz for Indira" with a nice mandolin part by Bush, and "Neon Tetra" with an inspired violin solo by Greene. Perhaps the best cut on the album is "Nardis," written by Miles Davis. "Nardis'" colored textures evoke a romantic mood and challenge the musicians to create distinctive, longing solos. Like the other Tony Rice Unit albums, emphasis remains focused on the skills of the individual musicians involved. Each instrumental provides the violin, guitar, and mandolin room for lengthy solos while Phillips' bass keeps everyone grounded. Both Rice fans and lovers of good acoustic music will enjoy Mar West.