Steve Greenbaum: Taking A Turn (2003)

Michael P. Gladstone

Senior Contributor since 2003

I came out of my musical hibernation circa 1960 and hit the streets for a new education on the past, present and future.

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Published: January 2, 2005

Let's dispense with the need for the labelling of Taking A Turn. This is not a mainstream jazz album. Guitarist/composer Steve Greenbaum has fashioned these ten originals into a multi-purpose album.

Several of the tunes would find airplay on smooth jazz radio, and they are certainly pleasant enough, particularly with Vince McCool's trumpet on "Liquid Blue" and "Tryst" emulating the style of Chris Botti. Greenbaum has rendered each of these selections into a different set piece that would work fine as film music in that a different setting and story is told for each song. The guitarist devotes the first half of the album to allowing different instruments to set the tone of the tracks. The opening "Liquid Blue" is a smoky bar for McCool's horn. "Outbound" is a trip to open country that features Fred Yonnet's harmonica, which at times serves as a passing locomotive. Rick Schmidt plays violin on "Emily's Song," and Joseph Cunliffe's soprano sax is featured on "Taking A Turn."

The second half of the album is largely devoted to compositions that feature Steve Greenbaum's guitar work along with percussion, violin/cello and acoustic bass. Many of these songs could best be categorized as New Age music. They are relaxing and reflective—and compared to the monotony and predictability of smooth jazz, they offer valid musical expression.

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Track Listing: Liquid Bloue, Outbound, Emily's Song, Taking A Turn, November Unfolding, Tryst, A Flower from Budapest, The Road Calls, Missouri Stars, Whisper/Listen.

Personnel: Aggregate Personnel: Steve Greenbaum, acoustic and electric guitars, voice; Rick Schmidt, bass, violin, cello, percussion; Vince Evans, Hammond B-3 organ,piano; Vince McCool,trumpet; Leland Nakamura, Eric Valentine, drums; Fred Yonnet, harmonica; Bill Resnick, piano, B-3; Eddie Hartness, percussion; Joseph Cunliffe, soprano sax; Jeff Reed, acoustic bass.

Record Label: Six Five Music
Style: Beyond Jazz