Sunday Music Muse Day - Steve Khan, Tord Gustavsen Quartet

The Sunday Music Muse day finds us enduring a ice rain (sleet) fall, making the driving a dangerous nightmare. So, I'm avoiding going out at all cost, and will stay warm inside, listening to some new music.  First up, Steve Khan Backlot.  Khan has been a favorite guitarist of mine since the 80s. with albums like Casa Loco, with covers by artist Folon.  As described by jazz critic James Nadel, "Steve Khan has undertaken the role of expanding and redefining the role of the guitar in the hybrid genre of Latin Jazz... in the transformation of straight-ahead jazz compositions into unique Khan improvisations drawing deeply from the Afro-Cuban tradition."  Like his contemporaries  Pat Metheny,  John Scofield, and others, he has a unique tone, and you can spot his playing in just a few note.  This a nice addition to my Steve Khan stash and great listening for cold afternoon.

My second pick is Tord Gustavsen Extended Circle, a 2014 ECM released.  It's a spacey, introspective offering, as most of his music is, in a good way.  The laid back, moody feel, and even the extended silence between the notes, draws you in the music.  I admit I'm not totally into the saxophone on this. I find it harsh in spots.  But, all in all, I'm keeping playing this, often. Especially, on day like today.

Well...it's time for another warm cup of tea, and settle in for some good tunes.  Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Steve Khan, John Scofield

On this bright and sunny, near perfect summer day, after a productive morning of attending to the lawn, cleaning the car, and weekly grocery shopping, I'm enjoying the sounds of long time favorite guitarists.  First up, Steve Khan The Green Field, a 2006 release that was his first solo release in ten year, although he was busy with other projects as a sideman.  One reviewer described it as "latin tinted progressive jazz" (Greg Prato of Allmusic). I would agree, but found it not as focus as his earlier solo sessions.  One minor disappointment is the lack of Folon cover art.  Still, it was great to find this CD.

 Here are some of his earlier covers. This would be excellent set to pick up.

My second treat of the day is John Scofleld A Moments Peace.  A nice laid back collection of tunes played with Scofield unmistakable guitar tone.  He's one of a handful of guitarists you can recognize with just a hearing a few notes. I've been a fan since the '70s and this outing welcomed addition to my collection.

It been pleasant day with pleasant music.  I can't ask for more.  Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day (A day late, again) - Joe Locke Quintet, Art of Love, Steve Khan, Claude Bolling

Again, my Sunday Music Muse Day post is a day late as we were enjoying having our sons home for college spring break.  But, I still had time to pick up several new CDs and enjoy an old favorite.  First up, is a local musician I was introduced to on a Bob Sneider CD, The Joe Locke Quintet Slander (And other Love Songs).  This third Milestone records recording the talented vibraphonist, continue his nod to Film Noir in tone and content, according to the liner notes.  i definitely have to catch him live sometime soon. This is another enjoyable outing.

Next is another blind faith pick, Art of Love - Robert Sadin - Music of Machaut.  The cover art intrigued me, and I recognized several of the musicians like Milton Nascimento, Brad Mehldau, and Lionel Loueke.  It's an adventurous  re-creation of medieval and renaissance music with a very modern touch. Reader reviews on All Music website gave it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars, and the reveiwer stated,"This beautifully executed CD should appeal to fans of jazz/classical crossover."  I'll have to give it more listenings to form a final opinion, but I can say I don't hate it.

My third selection was a result of partly the love of the CD cover art, and nostalgia, and in this case, nostalgia bite me in the ass.  Bolling's Greatest Hits, is a collection of tunes from the series of Claude Bolling's voluminous output of classical/jazz suites.  Although still enjoyable, I have to admit the music sounds very dated to me, now.  Well, I still like the illustrated cover art.

Finally I dug into my old CDs and pick an old favorite, guitarist Steve Khan Let's Call This, a trio outing with Ron Carter on bass, and Al Foster on drums.  I like the CD cover art by Jean-Michel Folon and like the music more. The tone Khan get out of his guitar instantly recognizable as his own.

That's it, enjoy the week, and every music you need that gives you joy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Steve Khan

  Today I picked out a guitar duo CD featuring Steve Khan and Rob Mounsey to enjoy with my Sunday morning breakfast of waffles and bacon.  Afterward I followed that up with some of Steve Khan's other CDs (actually I owned several on albums, first).  I must admit I didn't like Steve Khan's very first album when he was doing sort of standard Rock/Fusion stuff.  But starting with "Eyewitness" and "Casa Loco" he found a unique style and musical direction.  I grabbed the tune "Guy LaFleur" from Eyewitness as an example cut from youtube.  Also the album cover art by  Jean-Michel Folon was very cool.  The "Let's Call This" and "Got my Mental"  CDs are nice Jazz trio outings with tunes by Thelonious Monk, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter and others.  Very tasty stuff.

Check these album out if you get the chance.  Enjoy