Jazz Articles about Steve Slagle

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Steve Slagle & Bill O'Connell: The Power Of Two

by Dan Bilawsky
May 29, 2015

The initial impetus behind the creation of this recording was the passing of Kenny Drew Jr., an exceptional and underappreciated pianist who saxophonist Steve Slagle worked with, both in the Mingus Big Band and on one of his own leader dates--Reincarnation (SteepleChase, 1994). On the day his friend passed, Slagle penned “KD JR.," later sending it to Bill O'Connell, another of his piano-playing colleagues. That got the ball rolling for this, the first duo date in Slagle's discography.

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Steve Slagle: Evensong

by Dan Bilawsky
February 23, 2013

Saxophonist Steve Slagle is a consummate leader often pegged as a sideman; with a résumé that includes stints with big band legends like Woody Herman and Lionel Hampton, left-of-center trailblazers like pianist Carla Bley, Latin giants like Ray Barretto and modern day marvels like tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, it's easy to see why some people may look at him as a side dish, but outings under his own name mark him as main course material. His outstanding ...

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Steve Slagle: Scenes, Songs & Solos - A Composition and Improvisation Workbook for the Creative Musician

by Dan Bilawsky
January 15, 2012

Scenes, Songs & Solos: A Composition and Improvisation Workbook for the Creative MusicianSteve SlaglePaperback; 139 pagesISBN: 97819361822882Schaffner Press2011 There's no substitute for experience in the world of jazz, and saxophonist Steve Slagle has experience in spades. Slagle has been putting his horn to good use, working with the likes of bassist Charlie Haden, saxophonist Joe Lovano, pianist Carla Bley, the Mingus Big Band, and many others over ...

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Steve Slagle at The Turning Point Café

by David A. Orthmann
September 19, 2008

Steve Slagle The Turning Point Café Piermont, NY July 21, 2008

Tenor and soprano saxophonist John Richmond’s knack for matching distinguished guest soloists and stimulating house rhythm sections is one of the salient characteristics of the Turning Point Café’s jazz series. For the venue located only thirty-five miles from New York City in Piermont, NY, Richmond draws on a large pool of experienced players who are hungry to blow with their peers. Alto saxophonist/flutist ...

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Steve Slagle: New New York

by Glenn Astarita
January 1, 2001

Veteran saxophonist, group leader and much in demand session ace Steve Slagle, derives inspiration from the City that he inhabits on New New York. Throughout this record, Slagle exhibits a breezy tone as an alto saxophonist who also incorporates a gritty edge amid an often-angular attack brimming with serpentine lines and lofty thematic inventions. Here, the artist receives some noteworthy assistance from sometimes employer, saxophonist Joe Lovano, and vibraphonist extraordinaire Joe Locke. Yet many of the accolades should be awarded ...

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Steve Slagle: Steve Slagle Plays Monk

by C. Andrew Hovan
December 1, 1999

Well, let's admit it; the whole idea of doing tribute albums has really gotten out of hand recently. But if you're going to do this type of thing, then saxophonist Steve Slagle and his talented crew have the right idea. For starters, a piano is nowhere to be heard from, with the chameleon-like guitar of Dave Stryker taking on the chordal functions. Right there we avoid any inclinations to produce a mere clone of the original. And instead of delivering ...

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Steve Slagle: Steve Slagel Plays Monk

by Mark Corroto
December 1, 1999

I propose passing a law that requires every jazz recording to include at least one Thelonious Monk song. The reason is not that Monk is my favorite composer, but that Monk’s music is some of the most difficult to play. Maybe not technically difficult for jazz professionals, but rhythmically challenging and isn’t it so easy hear a Monk song done wrong. Several tribute recordings worth hearing include, Paul Motian’s Monk In Motian, Danilo Perez’s Latin spiced Panamonk, of course Steve ...