Guestbook
archive 19. This archive takes us from January, 2018 through December, 2018. Return to
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Well, don't know where to start. First off, I owe you a big apology. I was aware of you in the '70s, and had kind of written you off as a good player caught in the clutches of commercialism. Was I wrong - so, apologies again. I purchased "SUBTEXT" in a used CD store, and immediately fell in love with the music. I'm a big devotee of Latin music, jazz and guitar. So there you have it. That last track on "SUBTEXT" kept drawing me back, and I made a mental note to search out more of your recent work, never thinking you would continue on with Latin Jazz. I recently ordered "PARTING SHOT" and "BACKLOG" from Amazon, and they have been in constant play ever since. All I can say is "WOW." Just superb, wonderful playing from all concerned. I also had ordered an old Gary McFarland album called "THE IN SOUND," and you are the heir to what he started. A very cool sophistication.
You are doing them all proud. The Tjaders, Palmieris, etc. But don't get me wrong, you are taking it in your own direction, and with style. Now, the point of this is to get that long overdue apology to you, with the promise that I will follow your musical career from now own, because you are really sayin' somethin'. And like they say on my little island, THANK YOU!
Steve Burke
Denver, CO USA - Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 01:39:30 (EST)
Steve, Happy Holidays and the best of everything in 2019! Congratulations on the "PUBLIC ACCESS"-"HEADLINE"-"CROSSINGS"(BGO/UK) reissue being selected by AllAboutJazz.com's John Kelman as one of his BEST RELEASES OF 2018! So well-deserved, even if it's 30 years late!!! Peace out, Tony
Tony Bahooba
Taos, NM USA - Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 11:51:25 (EST)
Dear Steve, this morning, listening to a track from Clare Fischer's album "MACHACA" (on my way to work), released on the German label MPS in 1980, I had to think of you, immediately, now dropping some short lines to you. Well, the rhythm of the first album-song, "African Flutes" is so compelling. So Clare really was the man, a musical giant with his abilities and style. And so are you, believe me! I always did/will cherish your musical vision, resulting in many great albums (and concerts; that live double-album from Germany, "THE SUITCASE" tranports that ultimately). The rhythm-patterns and musical sense concocted in your songs and cover versions are so damned great, and the interaction of drums, percussion, bass and guitar is ultimately thrilling - from lyrical to hard hitting. I don't know if you know, how creative, positive, agile and inspiring your music was and will ever be? And surely not only for me!
So, I'd be glad if you're doing well! Maybe you're involved in some new projects - any new album/projects planned? Please continue creating music, if you can, and in addition please go on with your informative and witty website (especially your thoughts, opinion and essay section). And: John Abercrombie is missed so much! All the best for you, Stefan
Stefan Fühl
Bonn, GERMANY - Friday, November 30, 2018 at 04:51:30 (EST)
Hello Steve, I hope that you are well. I guess I haven't been paying close enough attention to your website, because I just became aware of the BGO Records re-release CDs that have been put out over the past couple of years. This is terrific, as it has been difficult to obtain copies of several of them. I think I pretty much have all of your discography already, but many others will not.
Since two of the reissues have Anthony Jackson on all tracks I created a thread on Talkbass Forum, in the bassists folder. Of course, Anthony is highly regarded in the bass community. The thing with Anthony is that, other than his work with you, he really hasn't had a long term gig in a band, and he only produced one album as a leader. So, following his work requires looking at a lot of different session recordings in different styles. But your re-releases showcase his talent in high quality ensembles playing interesting and still relevant music, with you and some world class drummers/percussionists. I think that some bassists will be buying these re-release CDs, as well as "THE SUITCASE" - which is an exceptional live recording.
All the best, Jim
Jim Barber
San Diego, CA USA - Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 11:48:15 (EST)
Stevie! Happy Thanksgiving! I just read this: "Some kind of upset or upheaval is likely either today or tomorrow, most likely on the home front, but try not to think of it as bad news. The fact is that things do need to change, maybe quite radically, so be thankful and be ready to act."
Tina Cho
Brooklyn, NY USA - Thursday, November 22, 2018 at 18:40:12 (EST)
Dear Steve, Thanks to the miracle of YouTube, I've rediscovered "THE BLUE MAN"; it came up as a recommendation and I'm absolutely blown away on hearing it again after about 40 years. I listened to it constantly in my teens, when it came out, and I'm doing the same now! (Still have the vinyl - sounds much better than YouTube).
First of all, I'd like to compliment you on the writing. Very few jazz musicians have the ability to pull off extended composition, have a feeling for the long melodic line or the capacity to orchestrate so beautifully for a medium size ensemble. Both the composition and the arranging on this record are just stunning. Listening back now, I realise what a huge influence it had on my own writing, although I wasn't conscious of having absorbed so much.
Second, the playing all round is amazing. I'm a drummer (also a composer and a pianist, but a drummer first) and I think this may well be one of Steve Gadd's best performances. It was really this record that taught me how much drums could contribute to a song by tailoring the part to bring out the colour and mood of each section. Your playing is wonderful, choppy when you need to be, but really melodic and evocative, which was not so common back then in that style (perhaps even less so now!). And as for Michael Brecker, what can you say? I thought you were very brave to trade 8s with him on "Eye Over Autumn"!
And that brings me to the question that prompted me to write. I wondered how much of it was done live. Did you do the rhythm tracks with a click and then overdub horns and solos? You guys were all serious session players, so I guess it wouldn't have been hard, but a lot of it sounds live, the 8's on "Eye Over Autumn" for instance sound like there's a lot of interaction between you and Michael and the rhythm section. Anyhow, I'd be grateful if you could drop me a line when you have a minute.
Thanks again for such a great album (in fact, some great albums; "CASA LOCO" would another of my Desert Island Discs!). I hope to hear you live sometime. All the very best,
Paul Cavaciuti
Epsom, Surrey UK - Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 09:49:59 (EST)
Any U.S. tour in the near (2019) future?
John Schaefer
North Wales, PA USA - Wednesday, November 07, 2018 at 18:50:50 (EST)
I love your music, Steve. You inspire me, and I want to thank you. I would travel anywhere in the USA just to see you play. Do you gig still? When and where, and I'll be there.
Martin Newman
Clinton, IA USA - Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 08:37:19 (EDT)
Steve! Now that Brasil has fallen into the hands of those who might foolishly believe that Trump-ism is a direction to follow. What are we to do? Affectionate hugs,
Márcia Brandão
Salvador, Bahia BRASIL - Monday, October 29, 2018 at 08:43:08 (EDT)
Mr. Khan, it occurred to me this morning the simple and obvious idea to personally thank you for your books "PENTATONIC" and "CHORD KHANCEPTS." I've had them for 20 years. I've been playing professionally for about that long, but sadly, I don't put in nearly enough practice time. As a result, I've only scratched the surface of your material, but time and time again, I go back to them more than any other of the many materials that I have. They are quite simply the best set of tools that I've ever come across, and I always say so when the conversation turns to, "What do you practice?" Love your sound and style too, obviously. Thanks again, Steve!!
David Sewell
Wichita, KS USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 08:22:33 (EDT)
Finally getting around to "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS."
Leigh Copeland
Alpena, MI USA - Friday, October 19, 2018 at 19:03:23 (EDT)
Hey Steve! Kudos for all the awesome transcriptions! Cheers and best wishes from Amsterdam.
Adrian Holovaty
Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS - Friday, October 19, 2018 at 09:36:58 (EDT)
I know that you're working hard and doing great! All along the way, you saw what was coming, and you know what is coming next!!! A destiny was sealed one year ago, around this time, and that will not go unanswered! I, for one, will be awaiting the results of your labors!!!
Karina Campos
Bronx, NY USA - Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 09:16:43 (EDT)
Congratulations Steve! I watched last week's nauseating display of political narcissism, the desire to be the center of attention, behaving like teenagers. To view that was sickening. Anyway, let us hope that something changes for the better.
Sri Naya Sharma
Jackson Heights, NY USA - Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 09:18:09 (EDT)
Now that I am fully retired, I can start playing all the old records that I have forgotten that I had. And there it was: "THE BLUE MAN." I always liked that record. And now, I can appreciate it again from a totally different perspective. Absolutely love it! Thanks, Steve!
John Brower SFC, USA Ret.
West Des Moines, IA USA - Thursday, September 06, 2018 at 18:57:41 (EDT)
Did you see this today? "Out of the blue, magic appears. You're not usually pleased with surprises, but this one might be just what you wanted. Thankfully, the cosmos delivers the right kind of answers just when you are ready. The current synchronicities make you realize you are not traveling this road alone." Just sayin'.....
Tina Cho
Brooklyn, NY USA - Friday, August 31, 2018 at 17:16:29 (EDT)
Steve, I got "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS"... I have taught at university and done some film scoring... I feel that your books have filled in some things that I have been trying to get clear in my mind for years. I have been recommending the books to composition students. I have been telling a sax player that your approach makes sense, and is so easy.
I was talking to Mac this afternoon, and said, for years he has told me about you, but man, "these books are off the hook." I will write a better review when I have spent more time in the books. I just got the Pentatonic book on Monday, and already it has changed my playing!! THANK YOU
Gary Atkins
Toronto, Ontario CANADA - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 22:59:26 (EDT)
Stevie Khan, I don't think that you read these things anymore, but.....
DAILY NEWS: "The hectic pace of the current cosmic weather leaves you scattered and unfocused. Anger issues can surface, so keep your impatience in check. The same old patterns seem to spin back around. Outdated viewpoints are not of service to you anymore."
NY POST: "It's quite likely that an issue will come to a head and in some way upset you. You have been pushing yourself extremely hard of late and will reach a point over the next 24 hours where you find it impossible to keep going at your current speed. Slow down before you break down - there is no glory in making yourself ill."
Love,
Karina Campos
Bronx, NY USA - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 21:10:11 (EDT)
Thought of you immediately, and wondered if you had seen this post at Marc Myers' wonderful JazzWax blog about Jack Costanzo ("Mr. Bongo") who just passed away this past August 18th. Lots of musical memories contained therein. You know how much I love the bongos! Enjoy, and thank you so much for everything!
JAF
New York, NY USA - Monday, August 27, 2018 at 09:37:12 (EDT)
Listening to the Eyewitness2 reissue from BGO Records - wonderful package! Strange weekend, right? Lots of tumult. And, I believe that today marks a strange little anniversary of sorts. We're O.K. here, hoping the same for you there.
Rita
Santa Cruz, CA USA - Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 11:14:45 (EDT)
Hi Steve, Love everything you do!
Bill O'Connell
Llangollen, Wales UK - Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 08:47:57 (EDT)
Hi Steve! Big fan for many years. I am a bassist here in NYC, and younger brother of guitarist Tom Guarna. Question please Steve; are you still performing live anywhere in NYC, or in general? Please forgive the question if you are, it's just that I have kept my eye out for you on a gig of your own (or as a sideman), and haven't run across your name in any of the venues in NYC. Listened and enjoyed your playing/music for many years Steve, would love to see you live again!! Would appreciate any info on your live appearances. All the best, Vince
Vince Guarna
Brooklyn, NY USA - Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 01:45:01 (EDT)
STAY WOKE Steve! It's happening again! Hard to believe. Loving "BACKLOG."
Sri Naya Sharma
Jackson Heights, NY USA - Monday, August 13, 2018 at 22:47:41 (EDT)
Just discovered your website. Hope to return to it when I can. I know you listed several of Ralph Towner's recordings. Are you familiar with Oregon's "WINTER LIGHT" and the track "Tide Pool"? That was my first exposure to Towner, and I still listen to it to this day. Just an amazing performance. By the way, you are so right about the MANBUN. :)
David Rau
Westerville, OH USA - Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 16:49:56 (EDT)
Steve, would you be willing to do a brief interview with me for the "Petropavlovsk News"? Thank you for your time.
Dmitri Adveev
Petropavlovsk, KAZAKHSTAN - Thursday, August 09, 2018 at 11:37:59 (EDT)
Steve, I just bought your book "CONTEMPORARY CHORD KHANCEPTS." and I love it. Clarence McDonald and I were talking about the voicings, and how I also loved the groove of how you play everything. Next I will have to get the "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS" book!
Gary Atkins
Toronto, Ontario CANADA - Wednesday, August 08, 2018 at 10:20:10 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I'm writing to congratulate you on your music. I've only known about you for a short time, discovering you because I was a fan of: Steve Jordan, Anthony Jackson, Dennis Chambers and Dave Weckl. My research on them led me to you - and hearing their performances on your albums was an incredible revelation.
So, I recently bought the three reissue CDs with three albums on each released for BGO Records(UK), and then the three trio albums with John Patitucci and Jack DeJohnette. I still have not been able to listen to them all in the smallest detail, but I find them really beautiful, in particular the 3 album Eyewitness reissue. Love Steve Jordan, drummer :)
Recently, I started listening to Jazz/Latin Jazz music, and I find that your work is of such excellent quality, even for those who are new to this genre. Soon I hope to also buy "PARTING SHOT"; "SUBTEXT" and "BACKLOG" to complete your discography.
I just want to ask you if you are planning to write and record a new album in the next year, and if there's a chance that you'll be back with the talented Jordan, Jackson or Chambers?
With the hope of being able to see your live concert one day if possible, I still congratulate you and wish you the best. - Stefano
Stefano Murrone
Cosenza, Calabria ITALY - Saturday, August 04, 2018 at 10:34:19 (EDT)
Steve - "The more you try to influence events over the next 24 hours, the more likely it is you will fail, and maybe even make things worse! The best thing you can do is to leave well enough alone!" I wonder what that meant? :)
Anabel Peña
Washington Heights, NY USA - Thursday, August 02, 2018 at 11:25:09 (EDT)
Thanks for all your fantastic music! I really enjoyed your FAVORITES page.
Chuck Herrera
Ventura, CA USA - Sunday, July 29, 2018 at 18:58:54 (EDT)
Steve, recent events seem to have a certain ring to them, wouldn't you say?
Tina Cho
Brooklyn, NY USA - Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 13:50:07 (EDT)
Stevie Khan, Did you see these from today's papers?
DAILY NEWS: "You will find your way, so don't worry if you feel lost. The turning point will come from an unexpected source and may lead you in a direction you did not predict. Yet you will see that the past and the future dovetail seamlessly into one another, and merge into the one reality that is you. Take your space, be true to yourself, and reveal who you are."
NY POST: "A Mercury-Jupiter link means that you need to be on your guard against flights of fancy. You can - indeed you must - dream of achieving something big, but make sure your dream is grounded in reality or you may be disappointed."
Love,
Karina Campos
Bronx, NY USA - Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 00:09:52 (EDT)
Steve, listening to "BACKLOG" in my studio: GREAT album!! "Go Home" and "Concepticus in C" stand out for me, but the whole album is great. Had it over the speakers in my Jeep on my way to see family in Lil' Havana en Miami during Spring Break. Glad it's part of my SK collection!!
D. Adonis
Tampa, FL USA - Tuesday, June 18, 2018 at 17:05:09 (EDT)
Steve, I enjoyed your personal FAVORITES page. I know that I once mentioned that I was 22 years old in 1982, alone in NYC to do a summer internship at "TIME" magazine. I went to see you and Eyewitness at Seventh Ave. South. Being my first real time out of Florida, I enjoyed the darkness, and smallness of the room, and sitting up front with my feet on the small riser, right in front of Anthony Jackson. I had a real good (first) time. A little club in a big city. Thanks for the memory. - Dave
Dave Hogerty
Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA - Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 01:29:18 (EDT)
Dear Steve: I just read what you wrote about Anthony Bourdain at your TRIBUTES page, and had to tell you how very moving it was. Like you, I was a dedicated fan, and never missed one of his shows on Sunday nights on CNN. He will be greatly missed by one and all.
Tina Cho
Brooklyn, NY USA - Friday, June 08, 2018 at 15:17:05 (EDT)
Steve: I picked-up your CD "BACKLOG"! It still knocks me out. Your interpretation of your Dad's tune, "Our Town" is so perfect, musically and emotionally as well as the rest on the work. I'm a fan. Not sure how you stay in contact with fans, but add me to it. Your work with Joe Zawinul was great as well. Thanks, Chris
Chris Saunders
Oakland, CA USA - Thursday, June 07, 2018 at 14:11:58 (EDT)
Wow Steve, the remastered Eyewitness albums are incredible! I can hear things I've never heard before. Especially Steve Jordan's brushwork! And many other things too. I will always be grateful to you for sending me copies of these three brilliant albums with your signature on the back in 2000. (Damn, time flies!) I cherish them. Still have the envelope you mailed them in. Three of the most precious albums in my vast collect! Be well my friend! - Michael
Michael Grammar
Houston, TX USA - Friday, June 01, 2018 at 03:56:36 (EDT)
Steve, WOW your site, amazing!
Juana Miranda
Pelham Gardens, NY USA - Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 17:45:05 (EDT)
Steve, on this day, anyone who has ever heard one of your recordings knows that YOU are a real "MUTHA"!!!
Ned Wesley
Ossining, NY USA - Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 17:06:15 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I wish you all the best and Happy Birthday!
Wagner Souza
Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil - Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 09:42:06 (EDT)
Happy Birthday!
Jim Jaffe
Los Angeles, CA USA - Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 21:45:44 (PDT)
Hello Steve, my name is Mo Khan, and we live in Parker, Colorado. I am the youngest son of the greatest Squash player ever, Hashim Khan. I, along with 6 of my brothers, also played for many years all over the world. I wanted to tell you that I am a huge fan of yours, and would love to meet you if you ever make it out to Denver. You are so great at what you do, and we really enjoy your work. We would also like to invite you to the Denver Athletic Club for a game of Squash when you come. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Mo Khan
Parker, CO USA - Friday, April 13, 2018 at 15:26:17 (EDT)
Hey Steve, Did you see these from today's papers?
DAILY NEWS: "Right now the action in your chart is focused on your house of writing and communications. Not everyone can squeeze more than an Instagram post out of their mind, but you certainly can. This rare energy will last for another week. Do not waste a single day. And do NOT post to the internet!"
NY POST: "It's not often you get the chance to go back and put right the things you got wrong, but over the next three to four days that is exactly what you can and must do. Put your current activities on hold and revisit what happened in the recent past."
Hope to see you soon,
Tina Cho
Brooklyn, NY USA - Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 10:02:54 (EDT)
Steve, Just a longtime fan checking in. Saw you live at Jonathan Swift's (RIP) in Cambridge in early 1978 with Tom Scott - great show. Hope you're healthy and happy. Keep playing 'til they shovel on the dirt. Thanks! - DP
Dave Pickard
Pittsfield, MA USA - Saturday, April 07, 2018 at 18:31:03 (EDT)
Hey Steve. I know I e-mail you every few years, but man, I love your stuff. Always check out your site when I can. Just wanted to say that I appreciate your music and collaborations. I really hope to see you in concert sometime. Peace, as always, Scott
Scott Winterle
Orlando, FL USA - Thursday, April 05, 2018 at 01:57:15 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the new remaster of "PUBLIC ACCESS"/"HEADLINE"/"CROSSINGS." I pre-ordered it after reading your note about it on your website earlier this year. Well, the package arrived yesterday, and I've been listening to it a lot - the music is excellent! And what a band!! I enjoyed the terrific booklet, and as a guitar player I especially appreciate the interview where you describe how you re-invented your playing style using a combination of fingers and pick technique.
I've told you this before, but thanks again for your great website and the books you've written, they have been a great source of inspiration. Your website contains a wealth of insight and information, and I find myself returning to your Pat Martino book often, especially where you describe Pat's approach to soloing and cite examples for each one.
With this new release, I now have all your remasters released over the last 2-3 years (including "TIGHTROPE"/"THE BLUE MAN"/"ARROWS" and "EYEWITNESS"/"MODERN TIMES"/"CASA LOCO," plus the excellent live record that you did with Larry Coryell "TWO FOR THE ROAD"(Wounded Bird). These, along with your excellent "BACKLOG"; "PARTING SHOT"; "SUBTEXT"; "THE SUITCASE"; and "THE GREEN FIELD" have given me many hours of great listening! Thanks again and have a great day!
Paul Williams
Cedar Rapids, IA USA - Wednesday, April 04, 2018 at 11:31:35 (EDT)
Hello Steve, I've been a fan of your playing and music for a long time. Always loved that sound you get with your Ibanez DCF-10. I bought one off of Ebay, maybe 5 years ago, but could never quite dial in your sound, despite your setting guidelines and varying the settings. On a whim I thought perhaps the components in mine were off on the specs. After all, these are analog controls.
I found a used and beat-up looking unit from Reverb.com. The seller was selling gear from his friend's studio who had died recently. My understanding is the guy was a music producer. From the looks of it, it had a lot of use. I figure if it didn't sound good, it wouldn't be used that much. Just got it today. Out of the box, the unit sounded quite different from mine. I didn't have a lot of time to play with it, but using your settings as a starting point, I got very close to your sound by just dialing the Delay time to about 10 o'clock, the speed to 10 o'clock, and width to about 1 o'clock. Needless to say I was thrilled!
BTW, your two books, "CHORD KHANCEPTS" and "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS" are great! Best regards,
Allen Louie
El Dorado Hills, CA USA - Friday, March 23, 2018 at 03:28:18 (EDT)
Dear Steve: Remember these words: "If it comes; let it. If it goes; let it." And if that is not enough, go back to "Patience" by Rainer Maria Rilke. I know that you know that poem very, very well. Much love,
Karina Campos
Bronx, NY USA - Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 22:14:25 (EDT)
Hola Steve, this morning, I read in the online version of "EL PAÍS" from Caracas, Venezuela, a headline in the CULTURA section that read: "Muere Steve Kahn, el americano que conquistó Morón"! I was horrified, especially when the provided link for the name Steve Kahn, took the reader directly to your homepage! Yes, the transposition of one simple letter, K-a-h-n instead of K-h-a-n put quite a scare into all of your fans. I read that you the Flamenco guitarist/photographer, Steve Kahn, often played in Greenwich Village and people would come to see/hear him expecting to find YOU there. I also read that your own fans would write to ask you if you were playing solo Flamenco guitar in the Village. Mainly, it's important to say that we are all happy that you are still with us. Un fuerte abrazo, Yrvis
Yrvis Chacin
Miami, FL USA - Monday, February 19, 2018 at 08:33:36 (EST)
Hi Steve, thanks for the latin jazz records. All fantastic! Do you tour in 2018? Regards, Gini
Antonio Zambelli
Salvador, Bahia BRASIL - Friday, February 02, 2018 at 08:13:24 (EST)
I just want to say thank you for all your insight. I recently found your "CHORD" and "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS" books, and I have found so much helpful material for my playing, and for teaching my students. Really appreciate these books, and glad I came across your name online. Just wanted to let you know that it's making an impact. Take care, Justin
Justin Clark
Albany, NY USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 22:56:15 (EST)
I don't see anything on the site re: tours. Any possibility that you'll play up here in San Francisco? You'd sound amazing at the SF Jazz Center. I absolutely love your music.
James Henderson
San Bruno, CA USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 00:29:30 (EST)
Dear Steve: Long time! Years! Still listening to your newer CDs. Wishing you a great year ahead in 2018 and hoping that it is not as difficult as 2017. "BACKLOG" was a revelation. Great work!!! Peace out, Tony
Tony Bahooba
Taos, NM USA - Thursday, January 04, 2018 at 20:03:55 (EST)