Jazz Articles about Steve Herberman

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Steve Herberman: Ideals

by Dave Major
October 17, 2008

Much of what is written in reviews about Steve Herberman's playing is analogous to the created illusion of two guitarists, or the use of overdubbing. Ideals, however, finds such a statement wanting and unsuitable. Guitar and piano trios have always had a distinctive vibe and aesthetic, but here, Herberman blurs the line with his adept application of counterpoint and refined harmonic epitome. Voicings never sound 'stock,' but well considered and purposeful and by no means overly contrived. Improvised lines roll ...

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Steve Herberman Trio: Action: Reaction

by Jim Santella
June 17, 2007

East Coast guitarist Steve Herberman presents a program of his original compositions on Action: Reaction. Along with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Mark Ferber, he romps and stomps in jazz's modern mainstream climate with creative asides added into each selection. Theirs is an equal-sharing trio that puts each voice into the spotlight throughout the session. Each artist takes solo opportunities, but the emphasis remains on three-way duties where everyone leads together.

Herberman plays a 7-string guitar, which extends ...

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Steve Herberman Trio: Action:Reaction

by Jerry D'Souza
May 19, 2007

Steve Herberman, who plays the seven-string guitar, is blessed with an abundance of technique. The instrument, which has been his to fathom since 1993, is now an articulate messenger for his ministrations.

Herberman writes with his eye on the palette that this guitar provides. His creativity infuses the music and it matters not whether he is out on a bop groove, indulging in swing or playing a ballad. He is the master of the up-tempo and the introspective.

Herberman forms ...

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Steve Herberman Trio: Action: Reaction

by Mark F. Turner
February 6, 2007

Washington, DC-based guitarist Steve Herberman comes into your ear-space with an authority and clarity on Action: Reaction that immediately grabs your attention. However there's more to this recording than just fretboard fireworks; his trio with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Mark Ferber delivers a three-musician communiqué of solid jazz. Herberman is reminiscent of straight-ahead greats Jim Hall and Joe Pass, with a lyrical and expressive touch. But he stamps out his own identity with a seven-string guitar ...

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Steve Herberman Trio: Action : Reaction

by AAJ Italy Staff
February 2, 2007

L’azione-reazione promessa dal titolo e ulteriormente sottolineata dalla foto di copertina rimane rinchiusa quasi totalmente nelle intenzioni dell’autore. Perché Action : Reaction è un elegante esempio di guitar-jazz-trio, con tre musicisti perfettamente in the mood, rilassati, pienamente a proprio agio tra raffinate armonie e delicate linee melodiche. Ma proprio i contrasti evocati dal titolo, il gioco delle dinamiche, le variazioni timbriche sono i grandi assenti di questa registrazione. Che si muove tra il fraseggio fluido, il suono vellutato e leggermente ...

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Steve Herberman Trio: Action: Reaction

by Michael P. Gladstone
January 6, 2007

This is, by coincidence, the fourth jazz guitar album in a row that I've reviewed, and it's the best of the bunch. Steve Herberman is a Washington, DC-based musician who previously released Thought Lines (Reach Music, 2001). Instead of a strategic mix of originals and standards, Herberman provides all-new compositions for Action: Reaction. Herberman uses a seven-string guitar, which is relatively underutilized. A few months ago, I reviewed a release from Fred Fried who made the switch after ...

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Steve Herberman: Action:Reaction

by Dan McClenaghan
December 29, 2006

One extra string--from six to seven--does indeed make a difference on the guitar. It extends the bass range, and it lends an added richness to the harmonies. Like fellow guitarist Fred Fried, Steve Herberman plays a seven string instrument to craft a distinctive sound. Herberman's previous CD, Thought Lines (Reach Music, '02) mixed standards and originals. Action:Reaction is a set of all Herberman originals.The disc's title suggests the working mode of the trio. The guitarist is joined here ...