 ....and this just in to the Newsroom:
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 On Monday, May 24th, Steve will be the guest of both Rick Such and Eddy Cabello as Inside Musicast presents an hour-long interview, including songs that span the scope of Steve's recording career. The podcast will be archived from that date forward, and anyone can then access the interview. Many thanks to both Rick and Eddy for their meticulous preparation and for the fun and energetic dialog that took place that evening.
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The other day, quite out of the blue, I received a sequence of 4 individual photos from the Photo Gallery Archives of the great Peter Erskine. After I finished laughing hysterically for hours, I decided to make a composite photo, a collage to share with everyone. So now, in addition to seeing these classic photos, you can also read Peter's captions for each one. From left to right, here are Pete's captions for each photo in the sequence, which now spans over 30 years of wonderful memories and friendship!
[1] Steve doing his original impression[with an additional stick twirl for good measure] of Lionel Hampton from the Zildjian Cymbal Set-Ups book. Photo taken during the Maynard Ferguson recording session for "NEW VINTAGE" @ MediaSound 1977
[2] Jaco Pastorius doing his impression of Steve's impression of Lionel Hampton from the Zildjian Cymbal Set-Ups book. Photo taken during the Joni Mitchell "MINGUS" recording session @ A&M Studios ca. 1978.
[3] Peter doing his impression of Jaco's impression of Steve doing Lionel Hampton from the Zildjian Cymbal Set-Ups book. Photo taken during a recording session, this time at the "WEATHER REPORT" recording session @ Power Station studios, ca. 1981.
[4] To the present, and Peter doing his impression of Pete's impression of Jaco's impression of Steve doing Lionel Hampton from the Zildjian Cymbal Set-Ups book. Photo taken outside of Budapest, Hungary @ the Drum Museum in Cegléd - and, best of all, Pete is standing right in front of the original Lionel Hampton photo that inspired this bit of insane comedy.
FINAL NOTE: If you look closely at Pete's last photo, you can see that HE is the ONLY one of us who actually captures what Lionel Hampton was REALLY doing in the original photo!!!! I now realize that "Hamp" only had ONE stick under his chin, and the other one was actually under his arm!!! I guess my childhood memory of that photo, from Zildjian Cymbal Set-ups book, was too fuzzy to get it correctly for my original impression - this is now the best part of all!!! Thanks Pete for this great classic comedy moment!!!
- For those of you who have been asking about and requesting videos or DVDs, finally there is something that you can see on YouTube. For years I have had two VHS cassettes sitting in a DVD case and basically just collecting dust. They come from a concert that was recorded on February 7th, 1992 at New York's then very famous club, The Bottom Line. On that night, the trio consisted of Jay Anderson(Ac. Bass) and Ben Perowsky(Drums). We had been logging miles together as trio, along with some other great bassists and drummers for a few years and a nice chemistry had developed by the time we did this particular gig. Looking back, it's ironic that "HEADLINE" had been recorded just 3 weeks prior to this concert.
Recently, through the website, I had received several e-mails, mostly from Europe, from fans telling me that they now had bootleg audio versions of this concert, which included 14 tunes over 2 sets. I had no idea that anyone could have found these things because the videos were done for a production company in Japan. I have actually never even seen these performances, as I don't like watching such things. However, it was because of these e-mails that I decided to seek out the help of my good friend and renowned video artist/editor, Phil Fallo to make an artistic transfer from the VHS format to DVD. I, of course, kept both Jay and Ben 'in the loop' about our progress in doing this. We decided that we would have my webmaster, Blaine Fallis, upload four(4) tunes to YouTube and see what happens. So now, you can watch and listen to the following tunes via these links: "Tyrone" which appeared on the "HEADLINE" CD. "Masqualero" which appeared on the "LET'S CALL THIS" CD. "Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You" which I have never recorded, and we rarely ever played this one live. It is my little tribute to Kenny Burrell. And finally, "Caribbean Fire Dance" which appears on both "HEADLINE" and now "THE SUITCASE."
From a purely historical perspective, I suppose that it's interesting to note that "CROSSINGS" was recorded just two years later. And, "THE SUITCASE" was recorded on tour just after that. Jay, Ben and I hope that everyone will enjoy seeing these videos.
- Para aquellos de ustedes que han estado pidiendo otra ENTREVISTA en Español, aquí está. Aunque originalmente fue hecha en Inglés, ha sido traducida por mi querido amigo, el ingeniero industrial y periodista de Jazz, Felipe Díaz, de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, España. Esperamos que todos disfruten de su lectura.
 It was not so long ago that the Jazz Community at large suffered a huge loss in our access to the ears of the public when Russ Davis' fantastic Beyond Jazz program had its bright light turned off by XM Satellite Radio. But, just recently, miracle of miracles, Russ, alongside Michelle Sammartino, launched a new radio vehicle on the Internet, and we are proud and happy to advise everyone who visits these pages about this glorious news.
In his own words, here's a personal message from Russ Davis:
"MOJA Radio is THE place for modern improvisational jazz, funk, jam, fusion and progressive music. You will hear all of Steve Khan's great music, plus you'll be exposed to others you never dreamed of from all over the world. This is Jazz In The Present Tense. This is MOJA Radio! MO for Modern, JA for Jazz. The world's ONLY modern jazz channel available worldwide! Come check us out @ MOJA Radio for a free sample!"
As I have said here many, many times, I can't thank Russ and Michelle enough for all their support over the many years. Personally, I am wishing them every success that there can be. If you can possibly lend your support to this great adventure in radio, it will truly serve the greater good!!! Thank you!!!
- During a weekend in late December, the one between Christmas and New Year's Eve, a conversation with dear friends, musicians, inspired me to write in my blog at my MySpace page. Soon, not 24 hrs. after it had been posted, I was overwhelmed by the response to what I had written. And so, I decided to post a version of the piece here which benefits from the addition of some photos and additional writing and editing.
Though the piece is titled, "A DESTINATION - NEVER AN ARRIVAL" and is focused on the artistic life, a life in the arts, the central anecdote, that shapes it all, centers around a portion of an interview which took place between Dick Cavett and the Academy Award winning British actor, Sir Laurence Olivier during the early '70s, just after I had moved to New York. It has become a moment that I have used in countless situations: with private students, at clinics, seminars, and master classes, and, in any serious discussion of what it means to live a creative life in the arts. If you have a few moments, I will hope that you will find something of value when reading this ESSAY.
Here's wishing everyone a very: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Y por supuesto, les deseamos un muy ¡FELIZ
AÑO NUEVO!
- NOW AVAILABLE!!!Earlier this year, 2008, we were proud to announce that ESC Records(Germany/Europe), Tone Center Records(U.S./Canada), and 55 Records(Japan) had all released the double "live" CD titled: "THE SUITCASE." Needless to say, it was very exciting to see this finally happen!
This incredible recording features Steve alongside Anthony Jackson(Contrabass Guitar) and Dennis Chambers(Drums) and was recorded on the last night of their European Tour on May 17th, 1994. The recording took place as part of a live radio broadcast for WDR as the trio performed at Stadtgarten Club in Köln, Germany. Recorded digitally and direct to a 2-track master, the CDs feature truly remarkable performances from all three players, but, it is easy to recognize that these are historic representations of the art of both Anthony Jackson and Dennis Chambers. What takes place on the nearly 18-minute version of Joe Henderson's "Caribbean Fire Dance" will be talked about for a long, long time. Anthony Jackson's solo 'prelude' to the title track is also a truly outstanding moment.
Once again, the CD is graced by a beautiful 'suitcase' image from Jean-Michel Folon which makes this package extra special for Steve. The release of this now legendary concert is not without a rather remarkable story. Please take a moment, click on the cover image link, and read about it. Some details have been left out to protect the innocent!
For anyone who is interested in reading the Reviews and Press, you can now access them on a separate page via the above link. Thanks to everyone from the public, radio programmers, and press who have been so supportive of the recording since its release.
As the year comes to an end, "THE SUITCASE" was just named one of the BEST JAZZ CDs OF 2008 by allaboutjazz.com's senior writer, John Kelman. We are, of course, most appreciative of this honor!
 I can hardly contain my joy over the fact that, as of last night, November 4th, 2008, Barack Obama is now our President. This is a great moment for the United States and all its citizens. But, more than this, it is a moment of global importance, because I cannot recall a moment in our recent history when so much of the rest of our world was also rejoicing in our choice of a leader. I want to extend my congratulations to President Obama, as well as to our new First Lady, Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Malia Ann and Sasha. I am wishing you all good health, happiness, and at the very least four wonderful years in the White House. And, of course, a wonderful new puppy for the girls! I'll look forward to seeing your choice!
During the course of this long, and often times, brutal campaign, I have wanted to express my thoughts about any number of issues, but I felt that I had to wait, and to make certain that this particular dream was realized. Now that it is a reality, I have written an ESSAY which details my thoughts and observations. These are obviously solely my thoughts alone, and some of them might resonate with some of you, and others might not find them to be so agreeable. But, I suppose, over time, we will see. Anyway, it is the dawning of a new day, a new age, and hopefully better times ahead for everyone!!! Perhaps, dare I say it, an even better world for everyone!!!
During the overnight and morning hours of November 5th, I have been receiving countless e-mails and messages from friends, musicians, and artists, and from all over the world, expressing sentiments of incredible joy, hope, congratulations, and, once again, a kind of solidarity with the United States. I don't know how many more times my eyes can well-up with tears from all this. Again, it is simply a great, great day!!!
- The Grammy nominated "BORROWED TIME" was released on June 5th, and since the first reviews had been published, the reaction to the recording from the music critics seemed to be pretty unanimous in favor of Steve's latest work.
 For anyone who is interested in reading the Reviews and Press, you can now access them on a separate page via the above link. Thanks to everyone from the public, radio programmers, and press who have been so supportive of the recording since its release
- But, before we get to the reviews, please make certain that you read STEVE'S PERSONAL REFLECTIONS on all the tunes from "BORROWED TIME." When this new column, "In the Artist's Own Words" was launched during 2006 by allaboutjazz.com, the very first feature was Steve's Personal Reflections on all the tunes from "THE GREEN FIELD." In both cases, they were originally written to give some personal and historical perspective for what were to be the Japanese liner notes, it is now hoped that everyone can benefit from reading just what went into both of these wonderful recordings.
 Though its release in early 2006 seems like such a long time ago, "THE GREEN FIELD" sessions from May 23rd & 24th, 2005 still remain fresh in the memory.
The last of the recorded tracks from those sessions, "Dreamsville" written by the great Henry Mancini, will still have to sit and await a new opportunity for a release as there just was not any room for it to fit on either of the last two CDs. Right now, it's hard to imagine just how that one isolated track could fit somewhere else.
For those of you who are still interested in reading the Interviews and Press associated with this release, you can now access them on a separate page via the above link.
Not to be redundant, but, another very popular feature has been "STEVE'S PERSONAL REFLECTIONS" on the recording, and those are available via the wonderful allaboutjazz.com website.
- I suppose that, sooner or later, everything just catches up to you.
 A fan from Europe wrote and asked me if I had seen myself on YouTube. My answer was: "Of course not!" So, I clicked on the link which he had sent, and suddenly I was taken back to May 11th, 1990, when I taped a local public access cable TV show called: "THE GUITAR SHOW" for my good friend, and neighbor, Christian Roebling. Over the years, he probably did shows with 100+ guitarists, some legendary, some less so. When the show no longer aired, he tried to find someone to put them out in DVD format, but those efforts initially failed.
Now, Stefan Grossman is about to release various performances from this series in DVD. Lucky me, my performances of both Larry Young's "Backup" and my own tune, "Dr. Slump" will be part of "JAZZ MASTERS: VOLUME ONE" of the DVD packages. Also featured on this very special DVD will be Pat Martino and Bill Frisell, obviously both great artsits, respected colleagues, and good friends. Stefan recently was kind enough to send me the still photo portrait lifted from the video. Before having seen it on the back of the DVD package, I had never seen this shot. It's nice to be able to share it here for the first time.
- Sometime ago, KHAN'S KORNER was divided into KORNER
1 and KORNER 2 pages to better
serve all our visitors. KORNER 1 is devoted to transcriptions. As May of 2007 arrived, we impusively decided to change our plans and present to you a rare Michael Brecker soprano sax solo over Hal Galper's, "Call" which appeared on sadly overlooked 1971 recording, "THE GUERILLA BAND." More recently, we presented Wes Montgomery's melody statement over the touching ballad associated with Ray Charles, "Born to be Blue" which appeared on his recording, "MOVIN' WES." This was followed by Freddie Hubbard's solo on the great Herbie Hancock tune, "Dolphin Dance" which appeared on Herbie's classic recording, "DOLPHIN DANCE."
 Looking towards the end of 2007 and the arrival of 2008, we will most likely see a few more Wes Montgomery solos, not to mention some appearances by other fan favorites at KORNER 1. 2007 has been a great year, and 2008 looks to be wonderful as well for the educational services provided here.
KORNER 2 houses the lead sheets and arrangements to Steve's originals. During 2006, we presented Steve's four new compositions from "THE GREEN FIELD" For January, it was his tribute to Elvin Jones, titled, "El Viñón." February, "The Green Field" was presented. In March, "Fist in Glove" was our feature. And finally, during April, "Cosecha lo que has sembrado," a spectacular Latin percussion descarga, was our feature. Don't you dare miss them!!!
For June and July of 2007, we will continue in KORNER 2, by presenting the two original compositions from Steve's latest CD, "BORROWED TIME." Firstly, in June, we are going to bring you, "El Faquir." Then for July, it will be "Face Value." As we peer into the looking glass at 2007, we can foresee that the 2nd part of the "City Suite" from "ARROWS" will appear at some point. So, be on the lookout for "Dream City." Later in the year, we will bring you "In a Star's Arms" and "Warm Blue Town" which only appear on the "HELPING HAND" CD.
"Electric Etínho"
Photo by: Paul Aresu
Digital Art by: Tanja
Prellwitz
- As it always is with all the time spent "on the road," there are stories
to tell. And so, here are some of Steve's recent stories Old News: the lovely, the comical, the tragic, and the triumphant.
- And speaking of "old" - If you like, you can read Steve's essay titled: "On Turning 60" which was originally written for his blog at the recently launched MySpace 'tribute' page, one which was actually designed, and is now maintained, by Iain Grimwood from "across the pond" in the U.K.! Thanks so much Iain!!!
- For those of
you who might have missed Steve's heartfelt tributes to Ray Charles,
Elvin Jones, Jimmy Smith, Steve Marcus, Jean-Michel Folon, Wilson Pickett, Ray Barretto, from the world of sports, Arnold "Red" Auerbach, James Brown, Michael Brecker, Joe Zawinul, Tim Russert, Gary King, Joe Beck, Isaac Hayes, Freddie Hubbard, and most recently, my dear friend Kim Weiskopf, we have created a special
TRIBUTES page. We hope
that you will enjoy reading about these very special musicians/artists who
recently left us.
- We are now pleased to announce the addition of another new page, created for those of
you who might have missed Steve's tales of: THE LOST TELECASTER CUSTOM; or, the incredible
AIR-CONDITIONER REMOVAL DISASTER; or, the popular but very terrifying HOLIDAY INN FIRE. And so, we have created a special
AMAZING TALES page. We hope
that you will enjoy reading about these "Theater of the Absurd" Events, but all too true!!! Believe me!!!
- And, as if that's not enough, we have given Steve's BRUSHES WITH GREATNESS its very own page too. Read what can happen when just walking around in one's neighborhood on the streets of New York. What a town!
- With the recent publication of Walter Kolosky's very fine book, Power, Passion & Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra, I have started to receive e-mails about my small contribution. However, as what I wrote was edited and then spread-out over various chapters, I wanted to share with everyone the full text, just as I wrote it. So, now you can read my personal "Mahavishnu Orchestra" reflection. I hope that you will enjoy it.
- As we have now passed the five year anniversary of September 11th, 2001, Steve has taken the time to write his own personal story, which he has titled, "Where I was on 9/11." For most people, and certainly virtually every American, there is a personal recollection of exactly where they were, and just what they doing at the moment when they learned that New York and Washington, D.C. were under terrorist attack. No matter with whom one might be speaking, this always makes for an interesting conversation. We hope that you all will enjoy reading Steve's story of that morning, that day.
- George Cole has written a fantastic new book titled, "THE LAST MILES"(The Music of Miles Davis 1980-1991)[University of Michigan Press]. As a part of this project, George conducted a very honest Interview with Steve regarding his participation in Miles' recording, "AMANDLA" and all the various stories and feelings surrounding that experience. Enjoy the interview, and if you are a Miles Davis fan, the book is a must have!!!
- Believe it or not, 10 years ago, during September, 1998, this website was launched by Blaine Fallis with graphic design consultations from his beloved wife Youngsuk. I can only say that, having this website has truly changed my life, and, in so many ways, made it better. The unexpected contact with people all over the world has been so inspiring that it has probably not only saved my career, but sustained it. And, in a far better way than I could have initially imagined. So, in addition to my unbounded gratitude to each and every one of you who regularly visit these pages, I want to express my most sincere appreciation to Blaine & Youngsuk for all that they taught me about helping them to manage these pages, and for their spectacular contributions to the look and the feel of the website. In that spirit, this is simply to say:
HAPPY
10TH
ANNIVERSARY!!!
- Please take the
time to read this great INTERVIEW of Steve by Mike Brannon
for allaboutjazz.com! It's a very comprehensive look inside the artist.
- Check out this past
STEVE
KHAN INTERVIEW done with Souvik Dutta for his Abstract
Logix site. We're certain that you'll find Steve's answers most
interesting.
- John Irizarry just asked
Steve to write an article for his website on the topic of: "What's
the difference between Salsa
and Latin Jazz?" Never one to shy away from a challenge,
Steve did his 'blanquito best' to try and answer the question in a
manner in which, perhaps, everyone could understand. And, while trying
to de-mystify the question, he tells one of his favorite "jazz jokes."
You won't want to miss that!!!
- NOW AVAILABLE! "PENTATONIC
KHANCEPTS" The book is now at the warehouse, and in stores
across the country!!! You can order copies directly from Alfred Publishing Co.
by phoning (888) 310-3342 or online via Order Music Today. The
book's 'code'/catalog number remains 0667B. This much anticipated
and innovative book is intended to serve as the linear adjunct to
the very successful "CONTEMPORARY CHORD KHANCEPTS." Steve is
hoping that the two books will work hand-in-hand to provide every
player with exciting and fresh ideas.
- Attenzione! For those of you visiting us from ITALY,
please know that you can read many of the pages from KHAN'S KORNER
at Marco Losavio's fantastic Jazzitalia
website. Thus far, Marco has posted, in Italian, tunes such as: "Got
My Mental"; "Anhelante"; "Descarga Khanalonious"; "Tightrope"; "Dr.
Slump"; "An Eye Over Autumn"; "Uncle Roy"; "Daily Village; "What I'm
Said"; Steve's George Harrison tribute: "Within
You Without You/Blue Jay Way"; "Blue Zone 41"; "Daily Bulls"; "Sierra Madre"; and most recently, "El Viñón." And, if you can read in Italian, here is a great Interview Steve recently did with fellow guitarist Alex Milella. A più tardi!
- Sumimasen!
And for those of you visiting us from JAPAN,
I am so proud to announce that you will now be able to read pages from
KHAN'S KORNER in your own language at Kenny Inaoka's fantastic
Jazztokyo
website. Kenny has launched these pages at his site by posting in Japanese,
Steve's nylon-string guitar solo from: "Clafouti" which appeared on
"YOU ARE HERE." Ja, mata!
- Check out this
INTERVIEW from the recent past which found Steve in a roundtable discussion with fellow
guitarists Wayne Krantz and David Gilmore as they discuss the bass,
and its role in their music. Written by bassist, Brent-Anthony Johnson
for the April 2002 issue of: GLOBAL
BASS MAGAZINE
- Now you can view
all of STEVE'S GEAR by visiting our newly posted EQUIPMENT
page! Here Steve details for you the information about his guitars,
strings, picks, amps, speakers, and effects. For those of you who've
been asking for this, we will hope that it answers most, if not all,
of your questions.
- Ever wonder who drew that front page caricature of Steve? NED SHAW, veteran
illustrator who has drawn for major companies, and whose illustrations
have appeared in major magazines for years. Just posted, see Ned Shaw's
latest ONLINE GALLERY.
- A selected DISCOGRAPHY.
When visiting this page, simply click on any of the mini-CD covers
and this will take you to a page where you can read Steve's personal
reflections of each recording.
- A quirky list
of STEVE'S FAVORITES, and perhaps,
dare I say it, even more than you wanted to know regarding his favorite
movies, flower, most annoying insect, best shaving advice from Dad!
And, his favorite news people, least favorite athlete, and his rants against "Info-tainment"! You get the picture.
- Misconceptions
resolved! Steve does NOT play solo Flamenco guitar in Greenwich
Village, New York City! It is just another guitarist with exactly,
well almost, the same name! Hard to believe, but true.
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