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Michael Jefry Stevens: The Survivor's Suite

By Jerry D'Souza
October 10, 2003
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Michael Jefry Stevens: The Survivor's Suite

Michael Jefry Stevens is a fluid player who finds his comfort level not only on the cool side but also through free jazz and instant improvisation. His touch is both delicate and hard hitting, stopping short of bombast when he ventures into the latter. The balance is visible on this solo record not only in his choice of material, but also in his treatment of the songs, particularly in his interpretation of 'Ask Me Now.' His phrasing has an elegance, and while he does take a line at a tangent he does not let this alter his focus. Another tune that pulses is the becoming folkish 'Musica Callada #1,' where his pace is measured, his air relaxed and balmy.

As a composer, Stevens utilizes a wide palette. He essays ballads with considerable feeling, 'Quiet' making the case convincingly. The unfolding is deliberate, shading the tune gently, his left hand emphasising darker daubs. And if one looks for the influences, one can witness the ghost of Bill Evans and the visitation of Ahmad Jamal. Comparisons apart the title track covers the vast spectrum that is the wont of Stevens.

This is a completely improvised suite, and within its ambit stirs structure and freedom. Stevens suspends time and harmony; his lines arch and curve and fall in a splash of color. He unleashes bolts of thunder with his left hand and clasps melody in scintillating runs. On The Survivor's Suite he keeps blandness away, never letting pretty pictures efface his ardour.

Track Listing

For Galo; Ask Me Now; Musica Callada #1; Quiet; The Search; Survivor?s Suite: Praeludium, Yin/ Tang, Interludium, The Eternal Spring of Hope, Postlude

Personnel

Michael Jefry Stevens

piano

Michael Jefry Stevens - piano

Album information

Title: The Survivor's Suite | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Jazz Halo

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Michael Jefry Stevens Concerts

Nov 16 Sun

Michael Jefry Stevens

Unitarian Universalists Of Transylvania County
Brevard, NC

Nov 21 Fri

Michael Jefry Stevens Solo Piano

Biltmore Inn
Asheville, NC

Nov 23 Sun

Asheville Jazz Orchestra

White Horse Black Mountain
Black Mountain, NC

Nov 23 Sun

Michael Jefry Stevens

Unitarian Universalists Of Transylvania County
Brevard, NC

Dec 14 Sun

Michael Jefry Stevens

Unitarian Universalists Of Transylvania County
Brevard, NC

Dec 19 Fri

Asheville Jazz Orchestra

DFR Lounge
Brevard, NC

Dec 21 Sun

Michael Jefry Stevens

Unitarian Universalists Of Transylvania County
Brevard, NC

Dec 25 Thu

Michael Jefry Stevens Duo

Biltmore Inn
Asheville, NC

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