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Manolo Badrena
Steve Khan: Parting Shot
by Mark F. Turner
It's tough for artists to remain viable in a fast-paced environment in which hype is focused on the latest flavor of the week or whatever technology and media is creating a buzz. As usual, jazz gets caught in the flux, but guitarist Steve Khan continues to demonstrate that it's not just about the technology or complexity, but the music and who's playing it. Off the heels of the superb live recording The Suitcase (Tone Center, 2008), Khan continues his love ...
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by John Kelman
Evolution is one of those things where an artist either gradually shifts direction, or makes sudden quantum leaps. Guitarist Steve Khan has done both in a career dating back four decades, and the first of three hot fusion records for Columbia as a leader, Tightrope (1977), that fit firmly in The Brecker Brothers camp, but, with an in-your-face guitar presence that ran the occasional risk of over-dominance. Khan had a clear epiphany with Evidence (Arista, 1980), an overlooked gem interpreting ...
Continue ReadingBill Evans: Touch
by Paula Edelstein
Touch, produced by veteran saxophonist-composer Bill Evans for his debut on Zebra Records is one of compositional integrity that continues to explore the melodic themes of his previous release, Starfish & The Moon. His 11th as a leader, Touch exemplifies the personality and depth of Bill Evans’ musicianship on tunes ranging from smooth to straight ahead, charged with soaring soprano and robust tenor solos. The serenely lyrical “In Your Heart” imprints his smooth sax deep within the soul, ...
Continue ReadingBill Evans: Touch
by Ed Kopp
Whenever I hear a soprano saxophone played over a pre-programmed beat my attention inevitably wavers, even if the music it is somewhat challenging. I call this condition the Kenny G Syndrome.While listening to Touch I really had to fight through the Kenny G Syndrome on a couple of tracks, but in time I warmed up to most of these 11 tunes.To be fair, Bill Evans is no Kenny G. He's a veteran solo artist with a ...
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Watch Your Step
From: Fifth And AdamsBy Manolo Badrena
