The Messenger is a project that reflects not only the guitarist's virtuosity on his instrument, but also his impressive compositional skills: writing all but two tracks. Best described simply as a Kevin Eubanks recording without specific categorization. Eubanks' intent with The Messenger is to communicate the breadth of his artistic influences. ''I wanted to branch out a little bit more on this recording,'' Eubanks states. ''I didn't want to be as concerned with the 'jazz sound' as much; I wanted to let out a little bit more of what I've been musically exposed to.''