Guestbook
archive 20. This archive takes us from January, 2019 through December, 2019. Return to
the current Guestbook
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Hi Steve, Life long guitar/music student (former Ted Greene student), and just want to say that I love your playing, concepts and harmonic sounds. I love what you are doing with "PATCHWORK" & "SUBTEXT." I just fell into your site, and plan to consume as much material as I can. How can I find out when you play in the L.A. area? Cheers, Mark
Mark Levy
Redondo Beach, CA USA - Monday, December 30, 2019 at 01:08:19 (EST)
Happy New Year Steve. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead in 2020! May there be continued recognition for "PATCHWORK" which continues to amaze. Be well.
Vashti Alberts
Long Island City, NY USA - Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 07:36:10 (EST)
Sitting on the couch, sun pouring through the windows, got "PATCHWORK" yesterday and thought I now had time to listen to it seriously. So I'm just sitting - listening. About halfway through the album, I noticed I have a big smile on my face. No need to say more - except thank you, it's terrific, breathtakingly terrific!
Steve Burke
Englewood, CO USA - Sunday, December 01, 2019 at 17:33:43 (EST)
I love "PATCHWORK" Steve!! I learn so much from listening and attempting to understand your beautiful phrasing and melodic approach. I love Latin music, and your feel for it is awesome. I always wished 'that I could hear you live as well. Hope you are well. One of your many fans, Larry
Larry Gamst
Naples, FL USA - Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 20:43:39 (EST)
Steve, good luck tomorrow! No matter what the results might be, "PATCHWORK" is a great album, and we are behind you all the way.
J.P.
New York, NY USA - Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 07:49:41 (EST)
WMNF 88.5 FM in Tampa has a jazz program every Sunday evening from 6-8 P.M. About a month ago, they played "Epistrophy" from "PATCHWORK" and after one listen, I have been hooked to your music. I love to listen to Metheny & Pastorius, and your music puts me in that same place of ease when I listen. I can't explain it, but it puts my mind in another place of relaxation (kind of like when you're relaxing on the beach). Keep up the Awesome work...
David Horn
Plant City, FL USA - Thursday, November 07, 2019 at 11:43:51 (EST)
Simply wanted to say thanks for the wonderful material you generously share. I understand there are now many YouTube sites where people are trying sell their transcriptions and lessons, and I get it. It's hard to make a living as a musician, and there are many amazing musicians who are known to the public at large.
That makes it even more noteworthy that you have this here for free. Amazing stuff....love it. Thank you for your artistry and willingness to share. You are a credit to all musicians. Play on, Sir!
George Helliwell
Collingswood, NJ USA - Wednesday, November 06, 2019 at 13:07:29 (EST)
Hello Steve - You have hit the bullseye yet again with your new album, "PATCHWORK" which is another awesome release, full of great musicianship.
This is as great a cast of musicians as you could call on to perform on this album. You truly are "the voice of the guitar in Latin Jazz," as suggested by Músico Pro magazine. An excellent production job too, and at 78-minutes in duration, nobody is complaining! So, keep well Steve - we want you around a lot longer!
Sean Hipkiss
Birmingham, UK - Friday, October 25, 2019 at 15:17:14 (EDT)
Steve, Deb and I were up north in Traverse City, Michigan's prime wine country, for three days this past week. On 2 successive days the local NPR station (WNMC, at Northwestern Michigan College, 90.7 FM) played "Too Late Now" from "PATCHWORK." We heard the song, and knew right away it was you, without the DJ's intro that we'd missed. Somebody up here likes you. And the minute that we came home, we ordered your new CD. Thanks again for continuing to record your visions. Bill & Deb
Bill Hughes
Kalamazoo, MI USA - Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 16:26:33 (EDT)
Steve, always love reading your essays and excellent commentary on jazz radio. Congratulations on your newest release, "PATCHWORK." The music is absolutely brilliant! Beautiful writing and masterful performances by one and all! Thank you for your artistry!!
Gerald Markham
Las Vegas, NV USA - Saturday, October 05, 2019 at 17:58:25 (EDT)
Dear Steve, congratulations to your new CD "PATCHWORK"!!! It came out great!!! For me, it is the perfect symbiosis between composition/rearrangement and improvisation, formal strength and spontaneity. As always great players, great groove, the sound of the production is crisp. I like your elegant and unique guitar playing!!!
I couldn't wait to play "Naan Issue" along the recording with the lead sheet from your website. I like your bluesy waving solo!!! I discovered also the 2 songs, you wrote for Bakithi Kumalo, which are amazing!!! - Matthias
Matthias Ockert
Karlsruhe, GERMANY - Friday, September 20, 2019 at 04:09:12 (EDT)
Hello Steve, I am enjoying "PATCHWORK" - sounds so fresh. Also enjoyed your NYU Interview with Dr. David Schroeder where you mention being influenced by Wes Montgomery's "BOSS GUITAR" :) Hope to be able to catch one of your live shows. I live in San Diego, so...hoping you can make it out to the West Coast sometime soon. Take care
Bob Conboy
Oceanside, CA USA - Monday, September 16, 2019 at 17:43:45 (EDT)
Hey Steve, congratulations on the truly remarkable review of "PATCHWORK" from AllAboutJazz.com's John Kelman. It was so thorough and detailed that I needed an SK music break to be able to finish it. He seems to really 'get' what you have been doing. Wishing you continued success with the album. Tucker
Tucker Talmadge
Taos, NM USA - Monday, September 16, 2019 at 15:56:11 (EDT)
Hello, I would like to know which songs you played with the Yamaha APX-10N nylon-string guitar? Thank you
Kostas Thanopoulos
Athens, GREECE - Thursday, September 05, 2019 at 06:03:08 (EDT)
Steve, you are a beast. I'm listening to "THE BLUE MAN," and man, what a record, exquisite. I have a question for you. I want to buy a couple of Visonik David 9000s for listening purposes, and maybe for studio use. I read that you like them quite a lot. My question is, how is the frequency response for studio use and mixing? Is it worth it to use them today, as they are not that expensive. And they seem to sound amazing - just wondering if mixes will translate well with them. Thanks a lot in advance for your amazing work. I love your webpage. Big hugs from Argentina my pal!
Tomás Ayuste
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA - Friday, August 30, 2019 at 14:33:18 (EDT)
Hi Steve! Yesterday, I received a mail from Spotify: "PATCHWORK" from SK is available! This was a very good information, and I was really happy to listen to it!
"Epistrophy" is fantastic! I will get a copy of the CD asap to have the 'full story'!! I hope that you will get a lot of pleasure with the publication of "PATCHWORK"! Cheers, Gilles
Gilles Saint-Yves
Paris, FRANCE - Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 09:01:34 (EDT)
Dear, Steve! "PATCHWORK" sounds amazing. All the best, Tom (Oslo Philharmonic).
Tom Vissgren
Oslo, NORWAY - Friday, August 23, 2019 at 16:37:39 (EDT)
Hello Steve, this is just a fan mail from a late discoverer of your music. I am an amateur musician myself, I play guitar, bass and bass clarinet. I was briefly in touch with you around 10-12 years ago, when I was working through the "CHORD/PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS" books. Recently, I have decided to focus my limited practice time towards the electric bass, and I decided to become better acquainted with the works of Anthony Jackson. Got his Chaka Khan albums and the 2CD BGO EYEWITNESS reissues. As they say nowadays - OMG!
I cannot understand how it has taken me so long to discover this great music. It has happened only a handful of times in my life that I listen to music for the first time, and it instantly feels both fresh and familiar, like the music was already in my head even though it is original and non-derivative. I love your playing and compositions, but AJ on bass is just mind-blowing. It's like a long earthquake followed by a volcano eruption - rumble, rumble, rumble - BOOOM! If you have some stories to share about playing with Anthony, I'd love to hear them. I plan to check out more of your stuff as well, regardless of which other musicians you're working with. I'll dig out the KHANCEPTS books again as well!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I wish you all the best in life and future musical endeavours. Best regards, Aage
Aage Bakken
Lonevåg, Hordaland NORWAY - Friday, August 16, 2019 at 05:18:47 (EDT)
Great reading. Wes, "Con Alma." Just found the page. Like they said, "too many strings, too commercial." Yet today, stronger than ever, and the best. Thanks, Alan E.
Alan Einstoss
Pittsburgh, PA USA - Saturday, August 03, 2019 at 19:15:58 (EDT)
Hey Steve, You have made it, it's August! Can't wait until the 23rd when "PATCHWORK" becomes available at iTunes. What an exciting time this is going to be for you. Still a lot of swash left in your buckle. Enjoy it to the max!
Karina Campos
Bronx, NY USA - Thursday, August 01, 2019 at 09:52:07 (EDT)
Hi Steve, You are big inspiration to me as a guitarist, especially your playing on Steely Dan's albums. "Glamour Profession"! Take care, cheers
Brad Miller
Sydney, NSW AUSTRALIA - Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 23:05:23 (EDT)
Steve, I think you're a great composer and bandleader! The great ensembles you've put together to play your music is further testament to that gift. Keep doing your thing!
Perry Wilson
Chicago, IL USA - Friday, July 12, 2019 at 20:58:34 (EDT)
Morgen Steve. I just saw the interview you did for NYU. It was so inspiring, funny and revealing!!! Congratulations. You should be more present on YouTube :-) P.S. A very belated Happy Birthday to you!!! Have a great Monday
Klaus Kreutzer
Dortmund, GERMANY - Monday, June 10, 2019 at 05:06:25 (EDT)
Mr. Khan, First let me say that I am a big fan of your playing. Yesterday it was suggested to me by my friend, Phil Upchurch, that I reacquaint myself with your album "CASA LOCO." This led me to web surf, looking for current info on you, while I was listening. I ran across an interview that you did with Leo Sidran in 2014. A very excellent in depth piece. One of the topics touched upon in the 'Bonus Material' section of the interview was a discussion on the origins of the overdriven "singing" guitar lead sound. At least by American players. You mentioned an early memory being the sound Bill Connors utilized with Return to Forever in 1973.
Hopefully you'll make it out to the left coast in support of the release at some point so that this Brooklyn kid can get to hear you play live. All the best,
Neal Faison
Lancaster, CA USA - Wednesday, June 05, 2019 at 19:01:57 (EDT)
Okay Steve, I believe the Eyewitness music would make an excellent modern ballet...... Hmmm? Anyway I could see it. I think Stravinsky might too! Have a great weekend Steve! P.S. I really loved the NYU Interview. It was so familiar in a sense, because I bought all your albums starting with "THE BLUE MAN" in real time when they were released. I was there the whole journey.
Michael Grammar
Houston, TX USA - Saturday, June 01, 2019 at 04:04:56 (EDT)
Congratulations Steve! I just saw that your huge interview with Dr. David Schroeder as part of his NYU Jazz Interviews Series is now up at YouTube. I sat through the whole thing, and it was really wonderful. It was quite emotional, and you come off as the person that I know you to be. Of course, as a musician, not much more needs to be said. Can't wait for the new CD to be released.
Jake Barber
San Diego, CA USA - Friday, May 31, 2019 at 13:43:52 (EDT)
Ciao Steve. Quando vieni a suonare con il tuo gruppo in italia? Ti aspettiamo e auguri per i tuoi 72 anni.
Marco Cipriani
Melzo, Milano ITALIA - Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 13:28:30 (EDT)
I was back in MO last week. My brother and I went to get something to eat, and "Change Agent" was playing in my rental car. My brother really appreciated your guitar tone saying, "That's they way electric guitars are meant to sound!" What guitar are you playing on that? My older brother (who commented on "Change Agent") inherited my father's Gibson L-50. I inherited my father's taste for jazz.
Jim Luther
Brier, WA USA - Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 11:24:25 (EDT)
I first heard your work in '78...always a fan, I just listened to "THE BLUE MAN." What a trip! We now have YouTube. You're tops on my list as far as jazz guitarists go. I wish you a great day. Your music was with me since I left home, until today. Honest words from a fan. Saludos mi pana
Brock Withers
Virginia Beach, VA USA - Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 07:50:57 (EDT)
Steve! Holy cow, I'm re-listening to "CASA LOCO," as it was a favorite when I was a DJ on WICB-FM in Ithaca, NY in the mid-'80s. Wanted to say how much I am enjoying this record again... You're awesome, love your musicianship, arrangements and personnel. Just saying "Hi"... A transplanted NY-er now in Nashville. Hope to hear more of you soon...
Malcolm Hunter
Thompson's Station, TN USA - Wednesday, May 08, 2019 at 18:41:19 (EDT)
Good morning Steve, I've been listening to your guitar work on Steely Dan's "Glamour Profession." Just amazing! Obviously, you done a "few" things since then. Keep it up. Thanks, Rich
Rich Jones
Greensburg, PA USA - Friday, May 03, 2019 at 10:54:41 (EDT)
Hello Steve, I am so elated to rediscover your music after all these years. I first saw you play with the Brecker Bros. and became a huge fan.
I just want to say thank you for this wonderful website!
Emilio Conesa
Los Angeles, CA USA - Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 12:12:10 (EDT)
Dear Steve, How have you been these days? I am good and always love your music! May wish you happy birthday and hope you will have a wonderful year! As always, your fan, Juri
Juri Mimoto
Yokohama, Kanagawa JAPAN - Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 11:32:19 (EDT)
Happy Birthday Steve, Did you see these from today's papers?
DAILY NEWS: "Sharing new ideas is fun while witty Mercury and flirty Venus are both visiting spontaneous Aries. Meanwhile, the social Aquarius Moon ensures smooth interactions, as long as they're more cerebral than emotional. But the moon's shift into sensitive Pisces at 6:11 P.M.(EDT) raises the stakes by bringing feelings into the equation. Rather than relying on a logical approach, we stand to gain more when we delve into the dream world of myths and symbols.
NY POST: "Take a few minutes out from your birthday celebrations to ask yourself what you would most like to accomplish over the coming 12 months. Keep it short and simple and make sure that you write it down. A year from now, your "wish list" will be a reality.
Hoping that this is a great day and a beginning to great things for you,
Tina Cho
Brooklyn, NY USA - Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 11:31:02 (EDT)
Dear Steve, I was sending you some Happy Birthday wishes, and I decided to use this old way of communicating with you to wish you a "Happy Birthday," continued good health and good luck with the new record that I am already eagerly awaiting. All the best to you today, Marcus
Marcus Wassenberg
Hamburg, GERMANY - Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 05:23:42 (EDT)
Hey Steve, Was wondering what string gauges you use now-a-days for your guitars? Are you still using the .009s? Still using the plain steel 3rd string on your Martin acoustic? Also, what is your opinion on developing a strong jazz-influenced picking technique when using lighter strings? People have told me that heavier strings are better for alternate picking, there is more string material there!
Thomas Carroll
Lynnfield, MA USA - Sunday, April 21, 2019 at 19:33:15 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I am a UK guy, love class guitar players and teach guitar to pay the mortgage.
Love the STEVE RECOMMENDS stuff on your site. Just bought one of the BGO remasters. The opening bars of the solo on "Some Down Time" - play that to death - that's some solo, great to point students to it. Love the albums with Rob Mounsey. Thanks for the music, and the tuition. Pete
Pete Hall
York, North Yorkshire, UK - Friday, April 12, 2019 at 04:20:35 (EDT)
WOW! I am so happy to hear about "PATCHWORK" - bring it on Steve - thanks for everything, Ben
Ben Dixon
Manchester, UK - Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 05:06:50 (EDT)
Just named our new dog after my all-time favourite guitarist: "Khan." He's beautiful, and so are you. Come to Vancouver!
David Gray
Vancouver, BC CANADA - Monday, March 11, 2019 at 20:53:00 (EDT)
Hello Steve, I'm 48 years old, and I am rediscovering your music again. When I was a kid growing up in NYC, I remember saving up my money and I would take the subway from Queens to Tower Records in the city and buy your latest album. I can't begin to tell you how much your music has impacted me, but I will say that I have bought every one of your CDs, including CDs you played on for other artists. I love each period of your work from the early albums like "TIGHTROPE"; "THE BLUE MAN" and "ARROWS" to the more recent Latin inspired albums like "PARTING SHOT" & "BACKLOG." Thanks for the amazing music.
John Magliano
Nashville, TN USA - Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 18:50:41 (EST)
Hello Mr Khan, I'm a bassist/guitarist, and while I was taking a lesson with Victor Mestas, he suggested that I write to you. My name does not give away the fact that I was born in Venezuela, and that's how I met Victor, actually trough Juan Ángel Esquivel, who's a childhood friend of mine!!! Juan Ángel was the guy who introduced me to Mike Stern, Scott Henderson, Pat Metheny, and all the great '80s fusion. Eventually, I got to hear "EYEWITNESS" and, I gotta say that, "THAT is amazing!!!" I've very much enjoyed whatever music you've done since I discovered your music. The musicians you pick are insane! I'm in awe of Anthony Jackson, he never fails to blow my mind. Steve Jordan - sick! Dave Weckl & Dennis Chambers - legends! Manolo was in Weather Report with Jaco. Been a fan of Mark Walker since I heard him play with Paul McCandless, and he's awesome on Michael Manring's "DRASTIC MEASURES."
I also think "BACKLOG" is brilliant, love that Eyewitness flavor that I so much love, so thank you so very much for the music!
I also wanted to mention that "JIGSAW" (which you produced) by Mike Stern holds a super special place in my heart, that album was just released only a few months after I arrived here in the States. I remember buying the album in a store in Maryland, just north of D.C. as I was living in Alexandria, VA at the time. Thanks again for the music!!!
Igor Panasewicz
Denver, CO USA - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 23:50:22 (EST)
Dear Mr Khan,
Hello, I'm a 22 year old bass player studying at the conservatory of music in Adria (RO). I recently discovered your work with Eyewitness and fell in love with that; in particular I really appreciate "Blue Zone 41" and your version of "Caribbean Fire Dance," there's so much energy in those tracks! Since I'm writing a thesis on Anthony Jackson for my next month's graduation, I wanted to ask if you can tell me something more about him, your relationship with him, anything that comes in mind.
I don't want to waste your time, but I'd really be glad if you shared your experiences with me. Thanking you in advance, Yours truly, Francesco
Francesco Delle Vedove
Portogruaro, ITALY - Friday, February 15, 2019 at 18:18:30 (EST)
As an addendum Steve, just want you to know that I am still listening to the trilogy ("PARTING SHOT"-"SUBTEXT"and "BACKLOG") and , as is the mark of any really good music, they ain't getting old. In my estimate, you are one of the great spokespersons of our time. Man, can you play guitar, keep taking me higher.
Steve Burke
Denver, CO USA - Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 08:42:29 (EST)
Steve: Hope you are well! About a week ago, I pulled out a transcription of Wes Montgomery's "West Coast Blues" by Wolf Marshall, and as I worked my way through it, I played the CD and isolated sections using the software Transcribe. Then, I watched a video. Something was off to me. I wasn't sure what it was.
Then today, I pulled out my tattered copy of your book without tab, and started playing your transcription. The cloud lifted. I had forgotten that I had worked on your transcription years ago! Now it's moving much faster! I guess your transcription was lodged deep in my memory banks somewhere! Who knew?
Anyway, it made me think of you on this snowy day in shutdown DC! Have a great day! Best, Vince
Vince McKnight
Washington, DC USA - Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 11:20:19 (EST)
THANK YOU so very much for all the awesome Khan guitar magic both past and present, you are truly a guitar legend!!!! CHEERS... YOUR FAN....
Doug McGraw
Gulfport, MS USA - Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 18:50:12 (EST)
Man, your solo on "My Rival." Yes. That's all really, and happy relatively new 2019! - Jeff
Jeff Babko
Valley Village, CA USA - Sunday, January 06, 2019 at 19:46:01 (EST)