Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Steve Greenbaum: Taking A Turn

134

Steve Greenbaum: Taking A Turn

By

Sign in to view read count
Steve Greenbaum: Taking A Turn
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.

Visit Steve Greenbaum on the web.

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

Steve Greenbaum
guitar, acoustic

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.

Album information

Title: Taking A Turn | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Six Five Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.