On Little Victories, Canadian guitarist Roland Nipp offers up 43 minutes of engaging and enjoyable instrumental music without indulging in the annoying grandstanding endemic to “guitar” albums. Drawing on classic rock-inspired themes, Nipp’s mostly slow and mid-tempo compositions have a dreamy, cinematic feel, and his tasty tone choices perfectly match the mood of each song. David Gilmour is obviously a primary influence, with touches of Mark Knopfler, Brian May, Steve Lukather, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck shining through here and there. Nipp is skilled player, with a thoughtful and understated approach that maintains your attention through seduction rather than coercion—and he plays all of the other instruments on the album, as well. This is an instrumental guitar album that even non-guitarists will like, which in itself is a little victory. Rolandnipp.com.