Jazz Articles about Steven Kirby

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Steven Kirby: Illuminations

by Dan Bilawsky
August 24, 2016

Illuminations--guitarist Steven Kirby's third album, following Point Of Balance (Challenge Records, 1998) and North Lights (Challenge Records, 2003)--is both true to previous form and highly expansive. Kirby uses elements of the sonic palette(s) that helped to color his earlier work, referencing the probing lyricism of John Abercrombie and the straight-to-the-heart melodic qualities shot through in classic recordings from Pat Metheny with Lyle Mays, but he doesn't simply extend on what's come before. In the thirteen years since Kirby's last album, ...

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Steven Kirby: North Light

by Dan McClenaghan
February 21, 2003

Boston-based, Berklee-bred guitarist Steven Kirby decided to branch out on North Light, the follow-up to his '98 offering, Point of Balance. The earlier CD was a solidly cohesive affair; but on his second outing, he mixes things up a bit, using four different recording units to complete the CD.This approach can be a potential minefield. The utilization of different bands can create a loss of cohesiveness--an all important component of any music CD. Guitarist Kirby solves this probem ...

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Steven Kirby Quartet: Point of Balance

by Joel Roberts
November 1, 1998

When you listen to a lot of recordings by younger jazz musicians, you're not surprised to hear great chops. The music schools and conservatories are steadily turning out highly polished, technically accomplished performers who can mimic the full gamut of jazz styles. What you seldom hear, though, is an original voice. That's why the new album by the Steven Kirby Quartet is such a treat.

Although Pat Metheny is obviously the major influence on Kirby, the Boston-based guitarist (not really ...