Guitarist Steve Khan

Welcome to the home page of Jazz guitarist Steve Khan!

NOW AVAILABLE!!! "THE SUITCASE" A spectacular live 2-CD set with Anthony Jackson and Dennis Chambers! Recorded in Köln, Germany for WDR in 1994, the repertoire covers material from "EYEWITNESS" through "CROSSINGS." The performances by Steve, Anthony and Dennis are positively breathtaking. Hold onto your hats and enjoy this one!!! The U.S. release date was March 4th on Tone Center Records and the European release date was March 10th on ESC Records. 55 Records of Japan released it on February 20th. In his review, Chris Jisi of "BASS PLAYER" Magazine called it: "a landmark contemporary jazz trio recording!" For more of the story, go to the NEWS page.

    A note from the Webmaster: Check out KHAN'S KORNER 1 which now has 63 hand-written solo transcriptions. Classic solos by: Miles Davis, Jim Hall, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Clare Fischer, Pat Martino, Kenny Burrell, Paul Desmond, George Benson, George Coleman, John Scofield, Gabor Szabo and Robben Ford, plus corresponding mp3s.
    As we appear to be exiting a very cold and snowy winter here in the New York area, hints of Spring are suddenly around us. And to celebrate the arrival of another "season of hope and renewal" we are so pleased to present a rare chance to compare and contrast the original Thelonious Monk piano solo recorded on THELONIOUS MONK TRIO(Prestige) from 1952, which then inspired Hall Overton's arrangement for a small orchestra, which performed the arrangement during the famous Town Hall concert in 1959. And then, some 30 years later, Joe Zawinul recorded the same piece, and put his own 'spin' on the famous Overton "soli" arrangement of Monk's solo. Joe's interpretation was recorded with the great Scott Henderson on guitar. Reading Steve's analysis should serve as a guide for your own comparisons between the 3 interpretations.
    As a most special end of the year gift, we are presenting Michael Brecker's fantastic tenor sax solo from the 2nd Dreams album, "IMAGINE MY SURPRISE" from 1972. Guitarist, Jerry Friedman's "Child of Wisdom" could have easily been a candidate for a "single" - but once the Phrygian sonorities of the solo section appear, and Mike begins to play, in his own style, free of any 'commercial' concerns, the dream of a single quickly dies. But, all good humor aside, though too brief, this early solo presents many of Mike's influences in full bloom. Wishing everyone the best this Holiday Season, and in the coming year 2010 as well.
    Good gracious!!! As this strange, often rainy summer of 2009 comes to a close, or so it seems, we are offering a refreshing break from everything and presenting, for the first time here, a tenor sax solo by the great, great Stanley Turrentine playing over the Victor Young standard, "Love Letters" which appears on one of his Blue Note recordings as a leader, "HUSTLIN'" from 1964. Aside from the fact that he has always been one of my favorite saxophonists, he has always been listed amongst the influences of Michael Brecker. So, what could be a better recommendation than that? Don't allow this great opportunity to look inside the work of the acknowledged master of the "Soul Tenor" - right here, right now!
    When March arrived, we celebrated the changing of the seasons by presenting Steve's transcription of Clare Fischer's gorgeous solo Fender Rhodes Intro to the not-so-oft-played ballad, "Where is Love?" which appeared on the Cal Tjader live recording, "HERE AND THERE" from 1977. Yes, it was a gift to all fans of beautiful harmony, but it was also intended to serve as a rather belated 80th Birthday gift to Clare. A small tribute for all that he has contributed to the harmonic lexicon of Jazz. I urge everyone, no matter what your instrument might be, to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from this great master!!!
    As we announced some months earlier, the website debuted a new technological feature which you can put to use on the transcription and lead sheet pages. The device is known as the "Wimpy Button" and, it allows you to listen to the soundclip while continuing to view the transcription. No new window will open! My webmaster, Blaine Fallis, began the long and tedious process of updating all of our music pages, doing a few each month, and we're making some progress. It will be a little longer, but soon, we'll be there!!! We want to thank everyone for their patience and for the messages of encouragement.

    At KHAN'S KORNER 2, February arrives and we are pleased to present one of Steve's oldest compositions which was composed in the early '70s. "Cloud Motion" appears on the 1978 recording by the Arista All-Stars, titled "BLUE MONTREUX II." Steve's newly revised lead sheet offers the horn parts as played by Randy & Michael Brecker as well as the keyboard/bass mini-score. It is all accompanied by Steve's characteristically insightful and informative analysis. If we can just get through this month, it will almost be time for another Spring!!! Yippie!!!
    Last summer, we presented Steve's wonderful Salsa-tinged arrangement of the Rodgers & Hart classic standard, "Have You Met Miss Jones?" which appears on his 2007 Grammy-nominated CD, "BORROWED TIME." The primary motivation for this presentation was to share the keyboard parts so that many of you out there could enjoy all of Steve's Clare Fischer influenced voicings. But, not to worry, the guitar lead sheets are presented too, as is the bass lead sheet. In reading the analysis, you will see that the arrangement also owes a great deal to McCoy Tyner and his 1963 interpretation of tune. We're hoping that everyone will enjoy having the opportunity to see all the hard work that went into this superb arrangement!!! Stay cool!!!
    We celebrated the release of Steve's new live double CD, "THE SUITCASE" and offered a rare look at one of Steve's arrangements. Our presentation was the lead sheet to Joe Henderson's "Caribbean Fire Dance" which appeared on the "MODE FOR JOE" LP and was previously recorded by Steve on his "HEADLINE" CD from '92. The newest version features a spectacular drum solo from Dennis Chambers. This moment alone is worth the price of admission. The analysis offers some priceless insights into everything that took place that evening. We are hoping that everyone will take a moment to enjoy it.

    We welcomed in the past New Year, 2006, with a series of presentations from Steve's new CD, "THE GREEN FIELD." During the first four months of the year, we offered all the original tunes: "El Viñón"; "The Green Field"; "Fist in Glove"; and most recently, "Cosecha lo que has sembrado." Again, these are the actual lead sheets used at the recording.

    This site created and maintained by Blaine Fallis, A Train Creative, Inc. . Graphic design Blaine and Youngsuk Fallis. Written and edited by Steve Khan. Steve Khan illustration by NED SHAW. Don't miss Ned's latest at our ONLINE GALLERY!