STEVE KUHN — The October Suite : Three Compositions of Gary McFarland (1966-2003) RM | Serie LP Reproduction | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Composer and arranger Gary McFarland was well known in the 1960s for his film-scoring abilities and his charting skills with midsized bands. McFarland was also, however, a jazz fan, and particularly one of scalar pianist Steve Kuhn. This project features Kuhn in the center of a program made up entirely of McFarland compositions, all but two of which were written specifically for the album. Recorded in 1966, it is an anomaly in the Impulse catalog of the time in that it did not pursue the free jazz realms with the vengeance that most of the label's other acts did during that year. It is also significant that it caught the attention of a young Manfred Eicher, who later signed Kuhn to his ECM label based on the strengths of this recording. Like Keith Jarrett, Kuhn is in the pointillistic school of jazz pianists of the era. Unlike Jarrett, Kuhn does not consider force in his attack as necessary as his labelmate does. Instrumentally, Kuhn's customary trio situation -- which is dutifully performed with zeal by Ron Carter and drummer Marty Morell -- is augmented with a string quartet on half the record and with a wind trio with harp on the other half. The tracks on side one are in some ways less revolutionary, yet more fulfilling because Kuhn is clearly at home with the sonorities afforded by the strings. They don't swing, even on "One I Could Have Loved" from the film 13 or "St. Tropez Shuttle," a strangely metered bossa tune (in 3/4 instead of 4/4). Kuhn's cautious, contemplative improvising concerns itself with scalar explorations of melody, color, and harmony rather than rhythm or modal considerations. His touch is light and airy and therefore most pronouncedly visible against the strings. The interplay between Carter and Morell is almost instinctual; they couldn't have moved any closer together on this set if the charts had been written for them -- and they were not. With the wind trio and harp, Kuhn's approach is more physical, but nonetheless strives to create a palette for the very instruments that are trying to create one for him. There is some tension in this approach, but it works to the record's advantage. In sum, The October Suite was an experiment that worked beautifully, even if it was not acknowledged as being one of the more subtly brilliant albums of its day, though it most certainly stands the test of time that way.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1    One I Could Have Loved    4:45
 Gary McFarland
2    St. Tropez Shuttle    7:10
 Gary McFarland
3    Remember When    7:25
 Gary McFarland
4    Traffic Patterns    5:04
 Gary McFarland
5    Childhood Dreams    6:27
 Gary McFarland
6    Open Highway    8:43
 Gary McFarland
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Cello – Al Brown (tracks: 1 to 3)
Composed By, Conductor, Arranged By – Gary McFarland
Drums – Marty Morell
Harp – Corky Hale (tracks: 4 to 6)
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Viola – Charlie McCracken (tracks: 1 to 3)
Violin – Isador Cohen (tracks: 1 to 3), Matt Raimondi (tracks: 1 to 3)
Woodwind – Don Ashworth (tracks: 4 to 6), Gerald Sanfino (tracks: 4 to 6), Irving Horowitz (tracks: 4 to 6), Joe Firrantello (tracks: 4 to 6)

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Three Waves (1966-1978) Vinyl, LP | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Predictable is not an adjective associated with the recordings of pianist Steve Kuhn. He is joined by bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Pete La Roca for this exciting studio session from the mid-1960s, both of whom he had worked with under Art Farmer, as well as on La Roca's smashing debut as a leader, Basra. With the exception of "Ida Lupino" and "Never Let Me Go," the music will likely be unfamiliar to most jazz fans, but adventurous souls are in for a treat. Kuhn's originals include the furious modal work "Bits and Pieces," which sounds as if it represents the center of a storm, as well as "Today I Am a Man," which suggests a well-known composition from the heyday of the bop era. "Why Did I Choose You" is played with a soft bossa nova accent, while Sergio Mihanovich's "Three Waves" is intense, with overlapping changes of rhythm. "Never Let Me Go," a favorite of singers, is understated and subtle, only hinting briefly at the melody. Originally issued on LP by the long-defunct Contact label, and briefly available as a Flying Dutchman reissue, BMG in Japan has since released a CD version. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
A1    Ida Lupino    2:34
 Carla Bley
A2    Ah, Moore    3:23
 Al Cohn
A3    Today I Am A Man    5:55
 Steve Kuhn
A4    Memory    2:41
 Steve Kuhn
B1    Why Did I Choose You?    2:52
 Michael Leonard
B2    Three Waves    6:50
 Sergio Mihanovich
B3    Never Let Me Go    2:59
 Jay Livingston
B4    Bits And Pieces    4:38
 Steve Kuhn
B5    Kod Piece    0:22
 Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – Steve Swallow
Drums – Pete LaRoca
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Watch What Happens! (1968-2006) RM | Serie European Collection – 22 | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Like many pianists, Steve Kuhn seems to put out one quality disc after another but doesn't ever seem to get the attention he deserves. This beautifully recorded studio date from 1968, with bassist Palle Danielsson and drummer Jon Christensen, is a good example. Eschewing the typical easygoing approaches to Michel Legrand's "Watch What Happens," he launches into a very brisk bossa nova arrangement. J.J. Johnson's gorgeous ballad "Lament" was never in better hands as Kuhn delivers a shimmering but poignant performance; the piece segues into Gary McFarland's unjustly neglected "Once We Loved." A mini-medley of Burt Bacharach songs, "Windows of the World" and "Here I Am," with its unusual chanting introduction, has also stood the test of time. Carla Bley's "Ad Infinitum" delves briefly into the avant-garde but quickly reverts to post-bop. [The Japanese reissue of this long unavailable session, originally on MPS, retains the identical gatefold packaging of the LP, complete with photos and liner notes -- a very nice touch.] Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Watch What Happens 2:50
Written-By – Michel Legrand
2    Silver 2:17
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
3    Lament / Once We Loved 6:57
Written-By [Lament] – Jay Jay Johnson
Written-By [Once We Loved] – Gary McFarland
4    Tom Jones 6:41
Written-By – John Addison, Mack Davis
5    Windows Of The World / Here I Am 4;20
Written-By – Burt Bacharach
6    I Fall In Love Too Easily 4:07
Written-By – Cahn-Styne
7    Ad Infinitum 8:57
Written-By – Carla Bley
Credits :
Double Bass – Palle Danielsson
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN — The Early 70's (1971-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the almost more about the other Jazz side of Steve Khun the vocalist, not the Pianist. When he plays piano, it is within the language of avant garde classical, and the presence of a string quartet affirms that soundscape, yet the Jeckyll to the Hyde of that is the singing is mellifluous, accompanied by gentle Electric piano. It is in the spirit of Michael Franks, and a delight in being so. In a long and distinguished career with some of jazz' s greats, this is his oddity. Yet for the most part, the unusual experiment works, I think for the most part that there is a nostalgia for early fusion, and this is the sleeper in that format. The best instrumental tracks on the lp are comparable with the Return to Forever tracks with no guitarist on them. The later Kuhn ECM albums embrace that early hard to post bop language and have him back in the piano seat without the vocal mike. Mark Harrington
Tracklist :
1    The Zoo (a.k.a. Pearlie's Swine)    5:29
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
2    Silver    4:38
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
3    Tomorrow's Son (a.k.a. Time To Go)    3:23
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
4    The Heat Of The Moment    1:56
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
5    Saharan (a.k.a. The Baby)    4:46
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
6    The Drinking Song (a.k.a. Hold Out Your Hand)    3:12
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
7    The Meaning Of Love    2:54
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
8    Remembering Tomorrow (a.k.a. Ulla)    4:22
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
9    A Change Of Face    3:34
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
10    Day Dreaming 2:59
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
11    Something Everywhere    4:47
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
12    Trance    4:41
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
13    Last Tango In Paris 2:37
Written-By – Gato Barbieri
14    Life's Backward Glance    3:06
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Ron Carter (tracks: 1 to 8)
Arranged By – Gary McFarland (tracks: 1 to 8), Steve Kuhn (tracks: 1 to 8)
Conductor – Gary McFarland (tracks: 1 to 8)
Drums – Billy Cobham (tracks: 1 to 8), Bruce Ditmas (tracks: 9 to 14)
Electric Bass – Steve Swallow (tracks: 9 to 14)
Electric Piano – Steve Kuhn
Percussion – Susan Evans (tracks: 9 to 14)
Percussion [Latin] – Airto Moreira (tracks: 1 to 8)
Piano – Steve Kuhn (tracks: 1 to 8)
Vocals – Steve Kuhn (tracks: 1 to 8, 14)

STEVE KUHN — Non-Fiction (1978) Vinyl, LP | 24-96Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

An interesting set of inside/outside music with a bit more energy than the more stereotypical ECM set, this set of five originals is performed by pianist Steve Kuhn (who was really developing his own original sound around this time), Steve Slagle (heard on alto, soprano and flute), bassist Harvie Swartz, and drummer Bob Moses. This is a fine release that was soon overshadowed by Kuhn's collaborations with singer Sheila Jordan. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
A1    Firewalk 8:00
Written-By – Harvie Swartz
A2    Random Thoughts 8:08
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
A3    A Dance With The Wind 5:48
Written-By – Harvie Swartz
B1    The Fruit Fly 5:54
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
B2    Alias Dash Grapey 11:57
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – Harvie Swartz
Drums – Bob Moses
Piano, Percussion – Steve Kuhn
Producer – Manfred Eicher
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Percussion – Steve Slagle

STEVE KUHN | ALDO ROMANO | STEVE SWALLOW — Childhood Is Forever (1971-1998) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This date is a fine example of Steve Kuhn's concept of trio jazz. It was recorded in Paris, 1969. The programme is very well put together with exciting and varying interpretations of standards, with a cooking rendition of Steve Swallow's "Eiderdown" as a closing show-stopper. The trio is in exceptional good mood and delivers thoroughly inspired performances on every track. There is a latin tinge to most of the arrangements, but it is only truly explicit in the bossa/latin tunes. It keeps the vibe fresh and bouncy. The album also has a few excentric excurions into free/avantgarde but they act more as beacons of distant shores than points of focus – a sort of spice. Steve Swallow's bass work is nothing short of stellar through the whole album. As is drummer Aldo Romano's. This is arguably one of the better incarnations of the Steve Kuhn Trio and worthy of wider discovery.
It is a pity, though, that both the recording, the vinyl pressings and cd reissue are marred with serious sound quality issues. But, on the other hand, it sort of increases the feeling of having found a hidden, unpoilshed gem - which this album truly is. Tobias Berving
Tracklist :
1    The Night Has A Thousand Eyes 6:01
Written-By – J. Brainin
2    Spring Can Really Hang You The Most 6:48
Written-By – Wolf
3    Baubles, Bangles And Beads 5:03
Written-By – Forest, Wright
4    The Meaning Of The Blues 3:41
Written-By – B. Troup
5    All That's Left 5:48
Written-By – A.C. Jobim
6    I Waited For You 5:07
Written-By – W. Fuller
7    Eiderdown 4:25
Written-By – S. Swallow
Credits :
Bass – Steve Swallow
Drums – Aldo Romano
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN — Life's Backward Glances : Solo and Quartet (2008) 3CD BOX-SET | Serie Old & New Masters Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This collection brings together three much sought-after recordings by Steve Kuhn: the solo piano album “Ecstasy” (recorded 1974), and two quartet albums. “Motility” (1977) features the band of the same name with saxophonist Steve Slagle in the front line, while “Playground” (1979) is the album that introduced the Steve Kuhn-Sheila Jordan Quartet. Singer Jordan is of course one of the great jazz vocalists, and this was an inspired teaming. Kuhn himself is a superlative pianist of vast gifts; each of these recordings illuminates another aspect of his work. Of these three discs only “Ecstasy” was previously available on compact disc, and then only in Japan. “Motility” and “Playground” here receive their first CD releases. ECM
Tracklist :
(CD1) 1977 - Motility (ECM 2090)
1    The Rain Forest    6:20
2    Oceans In The Sky    5:07
3    Catherine    5:33
4    Bittersweet Passages    4:55
5    Deep Tango    7:28
6    Motility / The Child Is Gone    7:21
7    A Danse For One    3:00
8    Places I've Never Been    4:53
(CD2) 1979 - Playground (ECM 2091)
1    Tomorrow's Son    6:02
2    Gentle Thoughts    7:22
3    Poem For No. 15    7:08
4    The Zoo    4:32
5    Deep Tango    10:40
6    Life's Backward Glance    5:36
(CD3) 1974 - Ecstasy (ECM 2092)
1    Silver    8:53
2    Prelude In G    4:26
3    Ulla    7:23
4    Thoughts Of A Gentleman – The Saga Of Harrison Crabfeathers    12:16
5    Life's Backward Glance    4:50
Credits :
Double Bass – Harvie Swartz (tracks: 1-1 to 2-6)
Drums – Bob Moses (tracks: 2-1 to 2-6), Michael Smith (tracks: 1-1 to 1-8)
Executive-Producer – Manfred Eicher (tracks: 2-1 to 2-6)
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Steve Slagle (tracks: 1-1 to 1-8)
Voice – Sheila Jordan (tracks: 2-1 to 2-6)

STEVE KUHN — Trance (1975) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trance, Steve Kuhn's second recording for ECM, was actually recorded a mere ten days after Ecstasy, his solo piano debut for the label. Trance features Kuhn playing both electric and acoustic piano, bassist Steve Swallow, drummer Jack DeJohnette, and percussionist Sue Evans. Two of the album's compositions, "Silver" and "Life's Backward Glance," are re-recordings of tunes appearing on Ecstasy. Adventurous and wide open, Trance is a mixed bag full of knots, twists, and turns. While firmly in the jazz idiom, Kuhn also draws on classical sources (check his solo in "Squirt"), drawing on Luciano Berio and Olivier Messiaen as well as Cecil Taylor. Performed on electric piano, "Silver" is a chugging, repetitive riff with a Latin rhythm, and Kuhn swings it like mad as Swallow's bass pops and spits along the melodic line as well as the rhythmic undertone. This is jazz that touches on fusion, modal, and the new spirit of the music as ECM came into the 1970s as a player. There is restlessness and calm, tempestuousness and serenity, conflict and resolution, and -- above all -- creativity and vision.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1    Trance    5:59
 Steve Kuhn
2    A Change Of Face    4:58
 Steve Kuhn
3    Squirt    3:00
 Steve Kuhn
4    The Sandhouse    3:47
 Steve Kuhn
5    Something Everywhere    7:48
 Steve Kuhn
6    Silver    2:54
 Steve Kuhn
7    The Young Blade    6:17
 Steve Kuhn
8    Life's Backward Glance    3:09
 Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Electric Bass – Steve Swallow
Percussion – Sue Evans
Piano [Acoustic Piano], Electric Piano, Composed By – Steve Kuhn
Producer – Manfred Eicher

STEVE KUHN QUARTET — Last Year's Waltz (1982) Vinyl, LP | 24-48Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

For a time, singer Sheila Jordan was a regular member of pianist Steve Kuhn's quartet, a group also including bassist Harvie Swartz and drummer Bob Moses. This live set finds the band performing five Kuhn originals, one apiece by Swartz and Steve Swallow, plus "I Remember You," "Confirmation," and a brief medley. Although Jordan functions as a member of the band, her highly appealing singing is the main reason to acquire this memorable and well-rounded disc. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
A1        Turn To Gold 3:45
Written-By – S. Kuhn
A2    The Drinking Song 5:42
Written-By – S. Kuhn
A3    Last Year's Waltz 4:04
Written-By – S. Kuhn
A4    I Remember You 8:19
Written-By – J. Mercer, V. Schertzinger
B1    México 5:02
Written-By – H. Swartz
B2    The Fruit Fly 5:37
Written-By – S. Kuhn
B3    The Feeling Within 4:46
Written-By – S. Kuhn
Medley    (2:00)
B4a    Old Folks
Written-By – D. Hill, W. Robinson
B4b    Well You Needn't
Written-By – T. Monk
B5    Confirmation 5:24
Written-By – C. Parker
B6    The City Of Dallas 2:55
Written-By – S. Swallow
Credits :
Bass – Harvie Swartz
Drums – Bob Moses
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Voice – Sheila Jordan

STEVE KUHN — Mostly Ballads (1986) FLAC (tracks), lossless

For a change of pace, adventurous pianist Steve Kuhn performed a dozen standards (mostly at slower tempos) on this New World release. Half of the selections are duets with bassist Harvie Swartz, while the other songs are unaccompanied piano solos. In addition to such notable tunes as "Body and Soul," "Danny Boy," "'Round Midnight," and "Lover Man," Kuhn cooks a bit on Sonny Rollins' "Airegin." An excellent outing.  Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Body And Soul    4:18
 Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
2    Emily    4:19
 Johnny Mandel / Johnny Mercer
3    Lonely Town    2:37
 Leonard Bernstein / Betty Comden / Adolph Green
4    Airegin    3:17
 Sonny Rollins
5    Tennessee Waltz    2:14
 Pee Wee King / Redd Stewart
6    Danny Boy    2:09
 Frederick Edward Weatherly
7    'Round Midnight    5:43
 Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
8    Yesterday's Gardenias    3:53
 Nelson Cogane / Sammy Mysels / Dick Robertson
9    Don't Explain    4:30
 Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog, Jr.
10    How High The Moon    2:11
 Nancy Hamilton / Morgan Lewis
11    Lover Man    4:08
 Jimmie Davis / Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
12    Two For The Road    2:52
 Leslie Bricusse / Henry Mancini
Credits :
Double Bass – Harvie Swartz (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12)
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Life's Magic (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Steve Kuhn leads an all-star trio with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster in this compilation of 1986 performances recorded over several nights at the Village Vanguard. First issued on Black Hawk and subsequently re-released in 2012 with a new cover, this is one of the many highlights of the pianist's vast discography. Opening with a spry, playful take of "Little Old Lady," Kuhn follows with his loping, bluesy "Two by Two" and Fats Waller's lyrical "Jitterbug Waltz," the latter showcasing Carter's intricate bass and Foster's light touch with brushes. His brisk setting of "Yesterday's Gardenias" (a song recorded by Glenn Miller in the 1940s) takes it far from its roots, turning this ballad into an engaging post-bop vehicle. The pianist's "Mr. Calypso Kuhn" puts the spotlight on Foster, opening with an intense solo, followed by the addition of Carter and, finally, the leader. Kuhn's luxurious, spacious take of "Never Let Me Go" conveys the song's message even without its lyrics. The disc closes with an extended workout of "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" that leaves the entranced audience wanting more. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Little Old Lady 4:03
Written-By – Carmichael, Adams
2    Two By Two 7:40
Written-By – Kuhn
3    Jitterbug Waltz 10:00
Written-By – Waller
4    Ulla 0:35
Written-By – Kuhn
5    Trance 10:45
Written-By – Kuhn
6    Yesterday's Gardênias 5:56
Written-By – Robertson, Cogane, Mysels
7    Mr. Calypso Kuhn 6:01
Written-By – Kuhn
8    Never Let Me Go 4:41
Written-By – Evans/Livingston
9    Softly As In A Morning Sunrise 13:21
Written-By – Hammerstein, Romberg
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN — Porgy (1989-1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Shoutin' Out    6:07
 Horace Silver
2    Just Squeeze Me    8:13
 Duke Ellington / Lee Gaines
3    Tadd's Delight    4:49
 Tadd Dameron
4    I Loves You Porgy    6:43
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
5    Isotope    3:49
 Joe Henderson / Laura Anne Taylor
6    Where Do You Go?    3:25
 Arnold Sundgaard / Alec Wilder
7    Ladies In Mercedes    4:48
 Steve Swallow
8    Repetition    4:53
 Neal Hefti
9    On Stage    5:13
 Rudolph Stevenson
10    Lullaby    4:25
 Steve Kuhn / Laura Anne Taylor
11    A House Is Not A Home    2:34
 Burt Bacharach / Hal David
Credits :
Double Bass – Buster Williams, Eddie Gomez
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Laura Ann Taylor (tracks: 5, 10)

STEVE KUHN | MIROSLAV VITOUS | ALDO ROMANO — Oceans in the Sky (1990-2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This fairly obscure Owl CD matches together pianist Steve Kuhn, bassist Miroslav Vitous, and drummer Aldo Romano for post-bop renditions of three group originals and a variety of standards, including "The Island," "In Your Own Sweet Way," and "The Music That Makes Me Dance." The interplay between the three advanced musicians and their ability to play both inside and outside at the same time are the main reasons to acquire this set. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1    The Island    7:55
 Ivan Lins / Vitor Martins
2    Lotus Blossom    5:04
 Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
3    La Plus Que Lente / Passion Flower    6:38
 Claude Debussy / Billy Strayhorn
4    Do    4:31
 Aldo Romano
5    Oceans In The Sky    6:10
 Steve Kuhn
6    Theme For Ernie    5:27
 Fred Lacey
7    Angela    4:47
 Antônio Carlos Jobim
8    In Your Own Sweet Way    7:31
 Dave Brubeck
9    Ulla    4:48
 Steve Kuhn
10    The Music That Makes Me Dance    2:42
 Jule Styne
Credits :
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Aldo Romano
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN — The Vanguard Date (1991) Serie Owl Time Line | Two Version | FLAC & APE (image+.cue), lossless

The Vanguard Date features jazz pianist Steve Kuhn performing with his trio at New York's Village Vanguard in 1986. Joining Kuhn here are bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster. Whether playing jazz standards, ballads, or the pianist's own atmospheric and harmonically interesting post-bop compositions, Kuhn and his trio sound superb. This is a highly recommended album for Kuhn fans. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1    Clotilde 4:39
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
2    Superjet 7:30
Composed By – Tadd Dameron
3    Little Waltz 6:30
Composed By – Ron Carter
4    The Zoo 4:57
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
5    I Thought About You 7:13
Composed By – Jimmy Van Heusen
6    Music Prayer For Peace 11:38
Composed By – Phil Perry
7    Dance Only With Me 5:39
Composed By – Jule Styne
8    Lullaby 5:04
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn

THE STEVE KUHN TRIO — Looking Back (1991) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Steve Kuhn is in a fun-loving mood on this trio date from 1990, accompanied by bassist David Finck and drummer Lewis Nash. His one original of the session, "Looking Back," is full of humorous moments in a driving post-bop setting, and his lagging a bit behind the beat while giving Dave Brubeck's "The Duke" a bit of an oriental sound at times is almost tongue-in-cheek. But not everything is played with a twinkle in his eye; "Stella by Starlight" is lush and dramatic, as is Michel Colombier's pretty ballad "Emmanuel." Kuhn captures the droll mood of the golden oldie "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You" with a campy, almost country-flavored approach. This is an outstanding date by a veteran musician who's always deserving of wider recognition for his efforts. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Looking Back 7:01
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
2    The Duke 5:39
Written-By – Dave Brubeck
3    How Insensitive 5:52
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Norman Gimbel, Vinicius De Moraes
4    Stella By Starlight 7:21
Written-By – Ned Washington, Victor Young
5    Alone Together 8:40
Written-By – Howard Dietz - Arthur Schwartz
6    Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You 5:05
Written-By – Andy Razaf, Don Redman
7    Baubles, Bangles And Beads 5:57
Written-By – George Forrest, Robert Wright
8    Zingaro 3:57
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
9    Will You Still Be Mine 5:13
Written-By – Matt Dennis, Thomas Adair
10    Emmanuel 3:57
Written-By – Michel Colombier
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Drums – Lewis Nash

STEVE KUHN — Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Volume Thirteen (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Steve Kuhn is generally not thought of as a solo pianist because he has rarely recorded in that format, but this 1990 concert at Maybeck Recital Hall is one of his most memorable releases. "Old Folks" is a chestnut favored by a lot of swing and bop pianists, but Kuhn's unique approach to it explores a larger range of the keyboard than most players, while powering it with a striding bassline that alternates a lot more than one would expect. He has a lot of fun introducing Miles Davis' "Solar," at first playing around with what sounds like a Scottish dirge and sneaking into a bit of the song while giving it an Oriental flavor, before getting down to business. Both "I Remember You" and "Autumn in New York" are long but fascinating interpretations, as the pianist deconstructs and rebuilds each of them with very fresh approaches. This very satisfying concert CD is well-worth acquiring. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Old Folks 6:35
Written-By – Dedette Lee Hill, Willard Robison
2    Solar 9:47
Written-By – Miles Davis
3    Don't Explain 8:26
Written-By – Arthur Herzog, Jr., Billie Holiday
4    I Remember You 10:22
Written-By – Johnny Mercer, Victor Schertzinger
5    Autumn In New York 10:55
Written-By – Vernon Duke
6    The Meaning Of The Blues 6:15
Written-By – Bobby Troup, Leah Worth
Credits :
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN — Seasons of Romance (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Steve Kuhn's sole session for the Postcards label feels like three separate dates. With tenorist Bob Mintzer and trumpeter Tom Harrell individually featured on three quartet tracks apiece, plus three trio selections with bassist George Mraz and drummer Al Foster, the chemistry is stimulating throughout the disc. Mintzer's brisk bop vehicle "Six Gun" explodes right from the start, while a lush treatment of Quincy Jones' "'The Pawnbroker" and Kuhn's magical samba "Clotilde" also merit praise. Harrell is added for the wistful ballad "Romance," making a late entrance following the leader's poignant opening solo. The trumpeter contributed the passionate"Visions of Gaudi" and also appears in Kuhn's upbeat "Looking Back." But Kuhn is best heard in the trio numbers, including a playful extended workout of the standard "There Is No Greater Love"; Steve Swallow's driving, intense "Remember"; and an emotional arrangement of "Good Morning, Heartache." This valuable CD unfortunately did not remain on the market for long, with the swift demise of the Postcards label after only a few years of existence. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Six Gun    4:57
 Bob Mintzer
2    Romance    4:10
 Dori Caymmi
3    Visions Of Gaudi    5:27
 Tom Harrell
4    There Is No Greater Love    9:12
 Isham Jones / Marty Symes
5    The Pawnbroker    5:57
 Quincy Jones / Jack Lawrence
6    Remember    6:03
 Steve Swallow
7    Clotilde    6:16
 Steve Kuhn
8    Good Morning, Heartache    5:33
 Ervin Drake / Dan Fisher / Irene Higginbotham
9    Looking Back    5:02
 Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Double Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 1, 5, 7)
Trumpet – Tom Harrell (tracks: 3, 6, 9)

STEVE KUHN — Remembering Tomorrow (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In a blindfold test it would be easy to identify pianist Steve Kuhn's CD as a stereotypical ECM recording. With its emphasis on space, rather slow development and occasional repetition, the performances of Kuhn, bassist David Finck and drummer Joey Baron (all but one of the 11 pieces are Kuhn originals) only occasionally rise above the level of background music. There are some heated moments on the sixth song ("All the Rest Is the Same") and the tenth ("Bittersweet Passages") but most of this set is rather sleepy and melancholy, not living up to the potential of these talented musicians. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Rain Forest    4:03
 Steve Kuhn
2    Oceans In The Sky    7:53
 Steve Kuhn
3    Lullaby    4:46
 Steve Kuhn
4    Trance    8:00
 Steve Kuhn
5    Life's Backward Glance    5:13
 Steve Kuhn
6    All The Rest Is The Same    7:34
 Steve Kuhn
7    Emmanuel 5:03
 Michel Colombier
8    Remembering Tomorrow    7:51
 Steve Kuhn
9    The Feeling Within    6:00
 Steve Kuhn
10    Bittersweet Passages    4:45
 Steve Kuhn
11    Silver    6:53
 Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Drums – Joey Baron

STEVE KUHN | STEVE SWALLOW — Two By 2 (1996-2007) RM | Confluences Series | FLAC (tracks), lossless

The verve of a duet recording between pianist Steve Kuhn and electric bass guitarist Steve Swallow cannot be underestimated. An inherent telepathy, shared concern for beauty, and high level of musicianship should lead one to believe, on paper, that this would be a perfect joining, and indeed it is. So many outstanding pieces highlight this disc, especially considering they play no standards. Of Kuhn's compositions, you get the stunning "Deep Tango," with its stop-start tendencies, and Kuhn vocally reciting "Poem for #15" (never previously recorded with the verse), also known as "The Saga of Harrison Crabfeathers." Both of these classics were previously heard on the ECM recording Playground, which Kuhn did in collaboration with Sheila Jordan. There's the bluesy title selection, the fun "Mr. Calypso Kuhn" (rivaling the Sonny Rollins evergreen "St. Thomas"), and the utterly gorgeous "Gentle Thoughts." Swallow assimilates legitimate single-string high-octave guitar leads on "Deep Tango" and "Gentle Thoughts," but sticks with traditional basslines on most of the record, and he is an unquestioned master at that. His compositional contributions are his more famous than ever melody of "Eiderdown" (a great rendition), the noir drama samba "Ladies in Mercedes" (popularized by Carla Bley), and the spirit waltz "Remember." All pieces are played with a modern luster and shine rivaling a mirror-like polished piece of chrome. Whether pristine and pretty, pensive and moody, or bright and bouncy, Kuhn and Swallow consistently deliver a timeless recording that should stand all tests of time, and is definitely recommended. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1    Gentle Thoughts 4:01
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
2    Two By Two 3:51
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
3    Remember 5:56
Composed By – Steve Swallow
4    Wrong Together 4:33
Composed By – Steve Swallow
5    Eiderdown 5:33
Composed By – Steve Swallow
6    Lullaby 5:47
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
7    Ladies In Mercedes 6:30
Composed By – Steve Swallow
8    Deep Tango 6:31
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
9    Poem For #15 6:39
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
10    Mr Calypso Kuhn 2:55
Composed By – Steve Kuhn
11    Emmanuel 5:39
Composed By – Michel Colombier
Credits :
Electric Bass – Steve Swallow
Piano – Steve Kuhn

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

A neglected figure in the overall scheme of modern jazz, perhaps this magnificent recording from the veteran pianist Kuhn will somewhat salve that wound. He is masterfully impressionistic, skillful as any, extra-lyrical, and his talent is in full array with substantive help from bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond. In his flowery liner notes, Rafi Zabor refers to Kuhn's sound as that of utter "refracted beauty" -- a concise and apt a description for Kuhn's consistently brilliant musings. The bulk of the program is standards, reharmonized as the quick-witted John Coltrane title track, the lilting endless melody streams tacked on to "Four," or the "Milestones"-tagged version of "Speak Low" showing that as Kuhn is deep, he's also clever. Adapting "Why Did I Choose You?" as if walking on eggshells with a slight samba beat, Kuhn's dancing figures are steps he invents. Finck's singing bass solo accents the laid-back Benny Carter evergreen "When Lights Are Low," and Kuhn's take on "She's Funny That Way" expands further on this already exceptional melody. There are three of Kuhn's originals, totaling a mere 12 minutes. A recap on the piece from his Sheila Jordan phase, "Last Year's Waltz" gets a regret-filled rubato treatment seen through lavender-colored glasses. "Chalet" is as elegiac as any snow covered mountain home, while "Tomorrow's Son" is a rhapsodic, free entity with more cascading piano. Steve Swallow's "Wrong Together" is also included, weeping with even-keeled swing and repeated inquisitions as to why. This music clearly inspires all kinds of lush, regal imagery. It is Kuhn at his best, one of the more soul-stirring piano trio CDs of recent hearing, and a joy to listen to more than just once. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1    Countdown    3:48
 John Coltrane
2    Chalet    5:07
 Steve Kuhn
3    Last Year's Waltz    3:26
 Steve Kuhn
4    Wrong Together    6:26
 Steve Swallow
5    Four    7:06
 Miles Davis
6    Why Did I Choose You?    4:52
 Michael Leonard / Herbert Martin
7    When Lights Are Low    6:46
 Benny Carter / Cootie Williams
8    She's Funny That Way    4:30
 Neil Moret / Richard A. Whiting
9    Speak Low    9:32
 Ogden Nash / Kurt Weill
10    Tomorrow's Son    3:20
 Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn