Guestbook
archive 24. This archive takes us from January, 2023 through December, 2023. Return to the current Guestbook
here.
Hi Steve,
Thanks much for your excellent music over the years. Particularly adored your work with Rob 'Intruder' Mounsey on "LOCAL COLOUR." It's a shame we don't get to see you tour here in the UK much, but hey - it is what it is.
Ray Pass
Gloucester, Gloucestershire UK - Friday, December 29, 2023 at 18:42:37 (EST)
Hi Steve, Thanks for this year's NEWS & TRIBUTES pages. Both greatly enjoyable reads. I always look forward to seeing new content on your website. Wishing you a peaceful & wonderful New Year! Cheers, Dan
Dan O'Shea
Woodcliff Lake, NJ USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 16:42:11 (EST)
Hola querido Steve, te hemos recordado mucho en estos días... Como Eze me comentó que está por escribirte, solo me despido y te envío una ¡Feliz Navidad! Por cierto, me gustó mucho tu playlist de Navidad, la escuchamos completa... te admiran mucho y te quieren mucho
Beatriz Pantín
Caracas, Venezuela - Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 02:59:52 (EST)
Hello Steve, I have a used Gibson Artist 335 with the Serial Number 735xxxxx, built in Kalamazoo and completed on December 19th, 1979. Do you still know the number of your former Gibson-Artist that you played on "Glamour Profession" from Steely Dan's "GAUCHO"? Is this guitar now mine today? I would be very happy to have an answer.
Klaus
Klaus Wöhler
Bielefeld, NRW Germany - Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 09:41:03 (EST)
Hello Steve - really enjoy your playing - keep up the great work!
Mel Solis
Norwalk, CT USA - Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 17:20:30 (EST)
Dear Steve, Firstly, I would just like to state that I hope this message finds you in good health. Please Let me preface my main question below by stating that I had travelled from South Africa on business in Long Island earlier this week and allowed/indulged myself 2 rather expensive days in NYC to listen/watch jazz before returning.
I checked what was happening at the various jazz clubs and I decided upon Amanda Brecker. She has a really lovely voice and gave a beautiful performance. As much as wanting to listen to Amanda was being able to watch her dad, the great Randy Brecker, play and support his daughter in the most delicate of ways, both musically and just as a Dad would.
The one artist however, that I would choose to see above all others is none other than yourself. From the first album ("ALIVEMUTHERFORYA") that I came across which just seemed like a lightning bolt from another planet and had me scratching my head equally in wonderment and bewilderment - and down through the years a lot of the others incorporating such a rich kaleidoscope of different styles, and textures through which your emotions and personality clearly shape the unique wonderful sounds you bring to the world, it truly would be a musical highlight to hear you live. Is there any chance that you might be performing in the NYC area this evening, as I fly out tomorrow? if not, it was just a great opportunity anyway, to be able to express my gratitude for bringing a thing of beauty, healing, and wonder to the world for so many years and also for what can only be the pure, gentle and kind soul from where it all emanates from.
All the very best to you, Hedley ("That's Hedley!")
Hedley Brest
Johannesburg, South Africa - Friday, November 03, 2023 at 12:55:11 (EDT)
Hi Steve, It's been a long time since we corresponded (by snail mail!). I have continued to come back to your wonderful site, which has always been very educational to me. I have just listened to your CDs "YOU ARE HERE" and "LET'S CALL THIS." I love your originals and the fact that you always cover some interesting, yet lesser known great tunes! I always have admired your playing. One of things I noticed on my recent listening experience was your use of some beautiful, yet dissonant chords, even over a static pedal point. If you have any examples of these sort of fingerings that are somewhat easy to play and how to use, please let me know.
Keep up the great playing, music and work for our guitar community! Thanks! John
John Rembetski
Albuquerque, NM USA - Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 12:49:45 (EDT)
Hi, Steve, I just purchased your "CHORD KHANCEPTS" book, and it's exactly what I was looking for! Thank you. I wanted to let you know about this Soldano pedal, since your old pre-amp is in the closet. :) It's called the Soldano 'Super Lead Overdrive' pedal. Cheers, Brett
Brett Price
Falmouth, ME USA - Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 16:48:36 (EDT)
Like my favorite textbooks from school I always end up going back to your "CONTEMPORARY CHORD KHANCEPTS" and "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS." Whatever stage of development I am going through, your instruction is always relevant. In dental school, I wondered why we had to study embryology, only to discover later that I used it everyday in practice. Same Khancept!
Tom McGowan
Somers, NY USA - Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 16:46:15 (EDT)
Hi Steve - just listened to "BLADES" (bought it decades ago!), and wanted to let you know that I think it stands up very well - nice compositions and great playing all around. Cheers!
Tom Lockwood
Chatham, Ontario Canada - Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 08:18:11 (EDT)
Hi Steve, hope you are well! I just posted a story about the 40th Anniversary of "EYEWITNESS" at my Substack blog. I hope you'll read and enjoy it. Thanks and all the best, Max
Max Smith
Sarasota, FL USA - Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 18:33:01 (EDT)
Hello Steve - I'm just chiming to let you know that I was able to navigate a doctor's office visit today with less stress because of your recordings. I listened to your recording of "Little Sunflower." It was a great help. I continue to listen to you daily for guitar study and meditative purposes. My favorite titles by you for these purposes are: "Riot"; "El Faquir"; "Daily Village"; "Pee Wee"; "El Viñón"; "Face Value" and others. So thanks for your musical wisdom and artistry.
Rob Dame
Greenville, SC USA - Sunday, October 02, 2023 at 13:44:38 (EDT)
Hi Steve, Your site is really cool. I purchased your "THE BLUE MAN" album back when it came out, and was dazzled by your note choices. I have, since then, had the sound of the intervals you used in my mind. I really enjoy your creativity and musicality... Bravo for your creative life and legacy!
Chris Fleming
Prescott, AZ USA - Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 17:04:13 (EDT)
Steve, I had never heard of you before but I found a 1978 album of yours "THE BLUE MAN" in a giveaway area of a record store, so I took the LP home and listened to it. I was captivated by the Folon cover on the album. I read your Bio. You have much to be proud of! I love your music that I heard. 1978 was a special year for me as an 11 year old growing up in Casper, WY. So anything 1978 related I come across is a treat! Thank you for your contribution to jazz! Roy
Roy Barnes
Cheyenne, WY USA - Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 00:54:02 (EDT)
Hello Steve, I was a student of yours back in the early '70s. I am still trying to catch-up like you. LOL Glad to hear you are still playing well as always! Thanks for all the great music you gave us over the years!
Ray Cembor
Bayville, NJ USA - Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 11:16:18 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I am a huge fan!! I discovered your "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS" and Chordcepts awhile back, and I am slowly digesting the material in these books, it's taking a while to assimilate all the info. Also listening and getting lines from your latest few albums, they are awe inspiring, I love your playing, and the Latin feels and dynamics of the ensembles.
Thank you for everything you have put up on your website, it is a wealth of information. I could spend years studying the transcriptions and materials you have put on there. I love the stories from your recordings and the photos, etc. in Khan's Korner. It's very generous of you to put all of this together, and I definitely appreciate it. Kind regards, Shaun
Shaun Robinson
Norfolk Island, NSW Australia - Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 05:26:27 (EDT)
My first experience hearing Steve was when "THE BLUE MAN" was released. Had to be around 1978 or so. I'm in agreement with all the wonderful messages from people sharing their gratitude and stories cuz' Steve has something special. Fantastic guitarist, amazing composer, most excellent author and all around great guy. Thank you for the inspiration Steve. It is everlasting.
Russ Drago
Vista, CA USA - Tuesday, August 01, 2023 at 14:26:52 (EDT)
Steve: I read about your dad sending thank you notes, and in that spirit I want to send one to you. For roughly the last 40 years your recordings have been enriching my life. One day in the '80s, a good friend turned me on to "CASA LOCO" - and, I've been hooked since that day. After all these years, I still get something new whenever I listen your music. And your collaborators! They contribute some of the finest performances from some of the finest musicians in the galaxy. Many thanks for many satisfying hours of musical enjoyment.
Wishing you and your loved ones all the best, Richard
Richard Palmer
Los Osos, CA USA - Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 19:23:20 (EDT)
Hello Steve - I'm a jazz guitarist originally from NY living in South Carolina. All things considered, you are the jazz guitarist who has influenced me the most, because you understand the value of long tones and sophisticated chord inversions. I listen to you every day to keep my own playing grounded properly. Thx for being a great influence.
Rob Dame
Greenville, SC USA - Thursday, July 06, 2023 at 14:29:27 (EDT)
Steve, still remember when you played CSU @ Ft. Collins in '79 with Tom Scott, Russell Ferrante and Jimmy Haslip. When you were walking on stage, I yelled "Aataboy Steve." You stopped and gave us a huge grin. The show was smoking hot, still remember it.
Steve Chase
Middleburg, VA USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 19:05:31 (EDT)
Hi Steve, My name is Luke and I am a guitarist, and I am so delighted to have found your transcription of Steve Grossman's "Right Off" solo! I have been captivated by this sound since I first heard it in or around 1999. At the time, I had no way of slowing it down or finding out what was going on. I managed to figure out a couple pieces of it, and later I attended Berklee College of Music from 2002-2006 on scholarship. I asked my teachers there what they thought he was doing, and no one could give me an answer. I'd just love to discuss what you think the conceptual framework might be, and how you think he may have practiced or what he was thinking to be able play these types of lines. Take care and thank you for your time.
Luke Andrews
Willits, CA USA - Thursday, June 01, 2023 at 13:35:45 (EDT)
Steve, Thanks for all the great music over the years. Any possibility of a reunion with the original Eyewitness band? Thanks, Ethan
Ethan Mayaan
West Caldwell, NJ USA - Tuesday, May 09, 2023 at 19:59:28 (EDT)
Hello, so happy to have found your two books "CHORD" and "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS" and I'm enjoying discovering/rediscovering your playing. Thx in advance,
your new student ;) Gregg
Gregg Olson
Moorpark, CA USA - Sunday, May 07, 2023 at 15:08:08 (EDT)
Hi, Steve. Thrilled that you love "SONG OF THE SUN" by Jim Beard. Your analysis of Michael Brecker's solo is very absorbing. It's one of my all-time favourite 'fusion' albums, and I'm constantly recommending it to friends and colleagues! The writing, playing and production are superb, and A.J.'s playing is, as always, killing. I love the offbeat harmonies. Your website is a constant source of interest. Greetings from Brexitland.
Rob Levy
London, England - Friday, May 05, 2023 at 07:52:20 (EDT)
Hello Steve,
I'm sending this email on behalf of both me and my friend, Dylan just as a token of our appreciation of your work! We're both 20 years old, from a small village in the UK, and originally discovered you through your amazing guitar playing on the album, "GAUCHO" by Steely Dan (also loved your version of "Reflections," that you performed with Donald Fagen on the Thelonious Monk Tribute album!)
We just wanna say that we're huge fans of your solo work, particularly "TIGHTROPE"; "THE BLUE MAN" and "EYEWITNESS," all of which we have spent plenty of nights, listening and wearing out the grooves on the record player. Also, we've been enjoying some of your more recent releases.
Over the past few years that we've been listening to you, we've built a special connection with your sound, and we'd just like you to know that we appreciate it, and we hope to hear more great quality music from you in the future!! Thank you for all your music! Harvey & Dylan
Harvey Aspey
Manchester, UK - Wednesday, May 03, 2023 at 19:21:01 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I just pulled out an old favorite from college which was your "TIGHTROPE" album and listened again. Loved the sound and music. Brought back many memories. I still remember seeing you and Tom Scott in '78/'79 at my college, and I think you had Jimmy Haslip with you on bass. Great show as I remember it 45 years later :). I've been out of touch so to speak, and I'll check out some more recent music too. Enjoyed your site.
Steve D.
Orinda, CA USA - Tuesday, May 02, 2023 at 18:33:51 (EDT)
You have been one of my favorite composers/musicians, guitar players, like, forever. I played electric bass and moved over to the Chapman Stick 20 years ago. It is really wonderful to see you SO alive and potent!!!! I say your name with the greats... Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter!!! Your new record with Mark Kibble is nothing short of stunning!!!!! Thanks again for all of the great and inspiring music you have given us!!!!
Randy Clere
Shoreline, WA USA - Monday, May 01, 2023 at 11:31:27 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I just now caught your NYU interview, and I want to send thanks and admiration for your open, generous spirit, your humility... staying in touch with that deep thing that moved you in the music. It comes through in a very cool, "speak like a child" way that I needed to hear at this moment! Continued Gratitude! Chip
Chip Tingle
Santa Monica, CA USA - Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 22:24:19 (EDT)
Hi Steve! I've been a huge fan of yours for some time, particularly Eyewitness and the trio stuff you recorded. Thank you for your amazing music! I also caught the interview with David Schroeder(NYU Jazz Interview Series) and was really moved by your honesty, your humility, and your sincerity when talking about your career. I appreciate your time and the incredible music you've given us over the years. Many thanks! Sincerely, Paul
Paul Thompson
Pittsburgh, PA USA - Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 08:24:16 (EDT)
Dear Steve, firstly, congratulations on the re-issue of your duo/trio (!) album "YOU ARE HERE" with Rob Mounsey and Marc Quiñones. It has often taken a spin on my CD Player over the years (as has "LOCAL COLOUR"), and they truly are inspirational. I wanted to ask you... What's your feeling about using programmed instrumentation in jazz?
I would love to hear your take on this. All best from Scotland. John
John Irvine
Edinburgh, Lothian Scotland - Wednesday, April 05, 2023 at 04:59:48 (EDT)
Hi Steve, You will likely not remember, but we corresponded by mail a few times in 1990. I was a young drummer living in Coon Rapids, MN at the time, and was obsessed with Dave Weckl and your album "PUBLIC ACCESS." It's hard to explain how exciting this was to me at the time. It felt as if a new world had been opened up to me. And now at 50 years old, I still get a thrill when I think back on it. I'm writing today to simply say "Thank you." You have had an impact on my life that goes far beyond music. All of my best,
Craig
Craig VanDerSchaegen
Minneapolis, MN USA - Monday, March 27, 2023 at 17:00:36 (EDT)
Dear Steve, I absolutely love the your style! My old time friend just picked up a couple of "THE SUITCASE" CDs. We absolutely love it!!! The best CD in my collection!
David Llorens
San Leandro, CA USA - Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 18:57:37 (EDT)
Dear Steve, thank you for your many years of inspiration... your originality is a wonderful, rare and splendid thing amidst the manufacture of echoes! lol. Anyway, keep playing!!!! Best wishes, Phil
Philip Gibbs
Monmouthshire, UK - Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 07:23:42 (EDT)
Hi Steve, Hope you are well. Beautiful single "Island Letter." I hope you develop this beautiful piece into an album. Keep up the beautiful playing. Best regards, Eunan
Eunan McCreesh
Armagh, Ireland - Tuesday, March 07, 2023 at 14:57:09 (EST)
Holy crap! Steve! I have loved your guitar work for decades! But I thought you had passed away in the mid-80s! You don't know how glad I am to know that you're alive! I got into music as a drummer, bassist and guitarist because of you! I remember seeing an art poster with your name on it, but sadly, it had a date on it, like 1948-1986 or something like that. But a few minutes ago, I went online to see how many other artists you played with - and BLAM! There you are! Anyway, I'm glad you're alive! Now I'm set to buy a whole bunch of your stuff! (Especially the Thelonious stuff!) I love you, buddy! - John d
John de la Cruz
Lake Placid, FL USA - Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 16:28:54 (EST)
Hi Steve - Hope you are staying sane and healthy in these very strange times. In any case, I am still enjoying the new albums you've been putting out, and hopefully one of these days you'll play out again. I go down to the Jazz Gallery sometimes these days, as well as the Iridium. Be well, Steve, and thanks for the wonderful and creative music you've put out there. Doug
Doug Mersten
Levittown, NY USA - Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 14:34:26 (EST)
Hi Steve, Steely Dan is my favourite band. I know you worked a lot on "GAUCHO" and I re-read your reflections on the "GAUCHO" sessions all the time. I am currently in my second year of university at McGill in Montréal and I'm working through learning everything on your "EYEWITNESS" album. It's way beyond my skill and understanding, but I love it. Thank you for all of the music. :)
James Todorov
Montréal, Québec Canada - Monday, January 23, 2023 at 16:51:04 (EST)
Hello Steve: We've communicated twice in the past (It must have been by letter the first time, because it was too long ago for email). The first time was in the '80s(?), regarding cover art work for one of your albums, and more recently, just to say hello. I have to admit, it has been decades since I listened to one of your LPs (yes, all the albums of yours I have are from the LP days :) ), but I am interested in hearing your more recent work, since I'm sure your taste in music has changed in the past 40+ years, as has mine. Another person asked if you still do concerts/tours, so I hope the answer is "yes" and that I might be able to hear you live. Take care.
Dr. Stephen Knowles
Hyde Park, NY USA - Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 09:10:17 (EST)
Hello Steve, Over the holidays, I read your analysis on your website of "Rainsville" by Don Grolnick. What a great story. Lately I have been working on transcribing "Heart of Darkness" from the same album "MEDIANOCHE," and hopefully attempt to play it with my band one day. It is still a work in progress, but after reading your approach and your dedication to get the right sound and harmony I was inspired to go the extra mile to get this transcription right. I owe it to Mr. Grolnick.
From the same album, I'm also working on "Water Babies." I've listened to several versions of the tune including yours on the excellent "HEADLINE" album. How did you approach "Water Babies" and how did you come up with the arrangement on your album?
In closing, thanks for sharing those stories on you website. I've enjoyed your music for many years. Keep up the good work. Best regards,
Jean Taillefer
Ottawa, Ontario Canada - Sunday, January 08, 2023 at 16:15:47 (EST)
Hi Steve, Luca from Italy here. I'm a long time your fan. You helped me a lot with your books, thank you so much!
Luca di Luzio
Cesena, Italy - Sunday, January 01, 2023 at 19:52:42 (EST)