STEVE KUHN — Dedication (1998) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The first of Steve Kuhn's several CDs for Reservoir is a multifaceted trio session with bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond. Kuhn opens with a pair of enjoyable originals, the gliding post-bop "Dedication" and "The Zoo," cast as a melancholy bossa nova. He does justice to two compositions by bassist Steve Swallow, the well-known "Eiderdown" and the more obscure "Please Let Me Go," both of which prominently feature Finck's superb playing. His fresh, somewhat darker approach to Kenny Dorham's catchy "Blue Bossa" starts subtly but grows in intensity. Nor does the leader ignore standards. His bright, swinging take of "It's You or No One," the lush setting of "For Heaven's Sake," and a loping waltz treatment of "Like Someone in Love " all merit high praise. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Dedication    6:13
 Steve Kuhn
2    The Zoo    5:50
 Steve Kuhn
3    I Waited For You    5:51
 Gil Fuller
4    Eiderdown    5:38
 Steve Swallow
5    Please Let Go    7:29
 Steve Swallow
6    It's You Or No One    8:02
 Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
7    For Heaven's Sake    6:12
 Elise Bretton / Sherman Edwards / Don Meyer /
8    Like Someone In Love    7:18
 Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
9    Blue Bossa    5:55
 Kenny Dorham
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Quiereme Mucho (2001-2008) Serie Venus Millennium Campaign | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Veteran pianist Steve Kuhn and his trio (with bassist David Finck and drummer Al Foster) dig into six Spanish and Mexican melodies with Quiereme Mucho, turning them into straight-ahead jazz. Latin rhythms are largely absent from a set that includes "Andalucia" ("The Breeze and I"), an up-tempo "Besame Mucho" and "Time Was" ("Duerme"). The music in general is boppish and full of wit, with Kuhn often quoting other unexpected songs along the way. Finck and Foster have their brief spots but this is largely Steve Kuhn's show. The music may have been largely de-Latinized but the result is one of Kuhn's most swinging recordings. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Andalucia (The Breeze And I) 8:01
Written-By – E. Lecuona
2    Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Mucho) 8:06
Written-By – C. Velazques
3    Siempre En Mi Corazon (Always In My Heart) 6:49
Written-By – E. Lecuona
4    Duerme (Time Was) 5:41
Written-By – Prado
5    Quiereme Mucho (Yours) 4:56
Written-By – G. Roig
6    Tres Palabras (Without You) 9:45
Written-By – O. Farres
Credits :
Double Bass – Davis Finck
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Easy To Love (2004-2010) Serie Masterpiece Collections | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Super Jet 5:30
Written-By – T. Dameron
2    Dear Old Stockholm 6:28
Traditional
3    Emily 7:16
Written-By – J. Mandel
4    Airegin 4:44
Written-By – S. Rollins
5    Morning Dew 6:00
Written-By – S. Kuhn
6    New Valley 6:51
Written-By – D. Finck
7    Dream Dancing 8:04
Written-By – C. Porter
8    Two For The Road 5:15
Written-By – H. Mancini
9    Be My Love 9:17
Written-By – N. Brodsky
10    Easy To Love 6:11
Written-By – C. Porter
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Pavane for a Dead Princess (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Steve Kuhn, accompanied by David Finck and Billy Drummond, explore classical works by a number of top composers from the 19th and 20th centuries on this Japanese release, though they are used as a launching pad for improvisation. Maurice Ravel's "Pavane for a Dead Princess" is recast as a soft samba, also incorporating a bit of an earlier standard that was derived from the French Impressionist's piece, "The Lamp Is Low." Chopin is obviously one of Kuhn's favorite classical composers, as three of his features, highlighted by a dreamy setting of "Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2." He brightens the tempo of Claude Debussy's "Reverie" while retaining its lyricism, while slowing Johannes Brahms' "Lullaby" to a crawl and demonstrating how a master jazz pianist utilizes space as an element of improvisation. Classical purists are always upset with jazz arrangements of "their" music, but anyone who loves both musical worlds will appreciate Steve Kuhn's thoughtful arrangements of music that has easily stood the test of time. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    I'm Always Chasing Rainbows~Fantasy Impromptu 7:22
Composed By – F. Chopin
2    Pavane For A Dead Princess 6:26
Composed By – M. Ravel
3    Moon Love~Symphony #5 2nd Movement 6:49
Composed By – P. Tchaikovsky
4    One Red Rose Forever~Ich Liebe Dich 5:32
Composed By – E.Grieg
5    Swan Lake 6:09
Composed By – P. Tchaikovsky
6    Nocturne In E♭ Major Op9, No2 6:38
Composed By – F. Chopin
7    Reverie 8:09
Composed By – C. Debussy
8    Prelude In E Minor Op28, No4 5:43
Composed By – F. Chopin
9    Full Moon And Empty Arms~Piano Concerto #2 3rd Movement 5:51
Composed By – S. Rachmaninov
10    Pavane 6:32
Composed By – G. Faure
11    Lullaby 3:37
Composed By – J. Brahms
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO – Baubles, Bangles And Beads (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This trio session by Steve Kuhn includes classical works and pieces adapted into pop songs decades ago. He initially studied classical music as a young man with the mother of baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff, so he is well grounded in the music. With bassist Dave Finck and Billy Drummond accompanying him, Kuhn's driving, boppish treatments of "Till the End of Time" (based upon Chopin's Polonaise No. 53) and "Stranger in Paradise" (taken from Borodin's Plovetzian Dance) sizzle with energy. His vibrant waltz setting of Erik Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 is far removed from the Impressionist composer's minimalist conception, with Finck's arco bass solo adding an interesting touch. Borodin's "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" was a favorite of baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan during the 1950s; the trio's introspective approach works equally well. While classical listeners who are unfamiliar with jazz may have reservations, jazz fans will savor these outstanding performances. Ken Dryden

Tracklist :
1    And This Is My Beloved - Nocturne From "Strings Quartet No.2"    4:49

2    Till The End Of Time - Polonaise No.53    6:01
3    Symphony No.3, 3rd Movement    4:58
4    If You Are But A Dream - Romance    4:49
5    Stranger In Paradise - Plovetzian Dance    3:53
6    Gymnopedie No.1    6:05
7    I Think Of You - Piano Concerto No.2, 1st Movement Op.18    5:31
8    Prelude In C Minor No.20, Op28    3:56
9    I Look At Heaven - Piano Concerto In A Minor Op6, 1st Movement    5:10
10    Baubles, Bangles And Beads - Strings Quartet No.2 In D    5:28
11    Vilia - From "The Merry Widow"    4:32
12    Prelude No.7, Op28    5:23
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO W/ JOE LOVANO – Mostly Coltrane (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Steve Kuhn was the original pianist in the John Coltrane Quartet, though he was replaced by McCoy Tyner after two months, as Tyner had been Coltrane's initial choice. Though he never recorded with Coltrane, he is steeped in the late saxophonist's music; this tribute covers music from many phases of his career. With tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist David Finck, and drummer Joey Baron (the latter two being part of the pianist's working trio), Kuhn had the challenge of tackling mostly well-known Coltrane compositions and standards without sounding like a clone, even though he was utilizing the same instrumentation. Fortunately, Kuhn's approach to playing is very distinctly different from McCoy Tyner, while any hints of Coltrane's influence on Lovano are brief. Billy Eckstine's "I Want to Talk About You" shimmers in the pianist's reserved, lyrical trio setting (omitting saxophone), while "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" bursts with energy, with Lovano making a delayed entrance well into the piece. One of the most unusual tracks is "Spiritual," with Lovano playing the tárogató, an Hungarian reed instrument that is related to the oboe, sounding a bit like a soprano sax but with a warmer, less shrill sound. Their extended workout of this Coltrane favorite is more reserved than the composer's several recordings, but here the quartet is at its most adventurous. Kuhn also explores late-period Coltrane songs, such as the meditative "Jimmy's Mode" (showcasing Finck) and the turbulent avant-garde-ish "Configuration," both of which remained unissued until 1994. Mostly Coltrane easily stands out as one of the best CDs among the countless tributes to John Coltrane and is one of Steve Kuhn's essential recordings within his extensive discography. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Welcome    4:56
 John Coltrane
2    Song Of Praise    7:26
 John Coltrane
3    Crescent    6:20
 John Coltrane
4    I Want To Talk About You    5:56
 Billy Eckstine
5    The Night Has A Thousand Eyes    8:41
 Buddy Bernier / Jerome Brainin
6    Living Space    5:08
 John Coltrane
7    Central Park West    3:46
 John Coltrane
8    Like Sonny    6:00
 John Coltrane
9    With Gratitude    3:37
 Steve Kuhn
10    Configuration    4:19
 John Coltrane
11    Jimmy's Mode    6:53
 John Coltrane
12    Spiritual    8:15
 John Coltrane
13    Trance    5:24
  Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Drums – Joey Baron
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Producer – Manfred Eicher
Tenor Saxophone, Tárogató [Tarogato] – Joe Lovano

LEE KONITZ & THE BRAZILIAN BAND - Brazilian Rhapsody (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD focuses primarily on Brazilian standards performed by the Konitz sextet, except for the Brazilian-flavored "Lunasea," written by Peggy Stern, which features her high school choir. "Berimbau" is swinging and percussive, while the well-known "Insensatez" takes many unexpected turns. "Triste" is also a familiar theme played with relish. Vocalist Adela Dalto makes a strong impression with her guest spot on "A Felicidade." Konitz's duet with the phenomenal acoustic guitarist Romero Lubambo on "Manha De Carnaval" is breathtaking. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Samba Triste 7:28
Billy Blanco / Baden Powell
2     Berimbau 7:27
Ray Gilbert / Vinícius de Moraes / Baden Powell
3     Menina Moca 6:10
Luiz Antonio
4     Triste 6:32
Antônio Carlos Jobim
5     Felicidade 6:27
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
6     Lunasea 5:59
Peggy Stern
7     Manha de Carnaval 4:07
Luiz Bonfá / Antônio Maria
8     Insensatez 6:14
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Dave Fink
Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
Percussion – Waltinho Anastacio
Piano – Peggy Stern
Vocals – Adela Dalto (pistas: 3)

LEE KONITZ & THE BRAZILIAN BAND - Brazilian Serenade (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Lee Konitz has long been a versatile jazz musician, adaptable to many different styles. This Brazilian-flavored session is one of two that the alto saxophonist recorded during the mid-'90s for Venus; his session partners include trumpeter Tom Harrell, guitarist Romero Lubambo, pianist David Kikoski (who mostly sticks to electric piano), bassist David Fink, drummer Duduka Da Fonseca, and percussionist Waltinho Anastácio. As expected, Konitz's light sound works well with the Brazilian favorites they perform, with Harrell being a particularly inspired foil for the leader. The works of Antonio Carlos Jobim are well represented, including breezy takes of "Favela" and "Wave." Harrell's lyrical "September" (featuring him in a fine muted solo) and Konitz's "Brazilian Serenade" also fit the mood of this relaxing CD very well. This rewarding release is well worth investigating. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Favela 7:28
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
2    Once I Loved 6:27
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
3    Recado Bossa Nova 5:20
Composed By – D. Ferreira
4    September 6:01
Composed By – T. Harrell
5    Dindi 7:16
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
6    Wave 5:34
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
7    Meditation 6:32
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
8    Brazilian Serenade 7:44
Composed By – L. Konitz
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – David Fink
Drums – Duduka Dafonseca
Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Percussion – Waltinho Anastacio
Trumpet – Tom Harrell