& Hammerstein as well as Steve's father with Jimmy Van Heusen. The latter is a stunningly beautiful rendering of the Sinatra classic "The Last Dance." On four of the eight tracks, the trio is joined at times by percussionists Bobby Allende, Marc Quiñones, and Don Alias. Brasilian percussionist Café lends his special talents to Steve's romantic journey through "I Have Dreamed." The intensity and creativity brought to the sessions shows Steve's unfailing desire to meet new challenges and explore them. These qualities cause his name to always be mentioned when discussions of contemporary jazz guitar are carried on.
1997 saw Steve reunite with Rob Mounsey to record "YOU ARE HERE." It had been nearly 10 years since the release of "LOCAL COLOR" and the duo was anxious to get back at it again. Like the prior CD, when these two tremendous musicians get together the music tends to defy categorization, but the new recording seemed to sit somewhere between a contemporary version of Latin jazz and World Music jazz. Also in keeping with their previous work, Steve is again heard on only acoustic guitars. Reminding us all, that he is one of the instruments most unique stylists, playing melodies and solos with a touch and phrasing all his own. One brand new dimension for "YOU ARE HERE" was the presence of Latin percussion virtuoso Marc Quiñones. Marc brought his spirit and power to signature compositions by Khan-Mounsey like "Clafouti," "Platanos Maduros," and "Peanut Soup." Released in September of 1998, the recording leaves little doubt that Steve and Rob are blazing a trail of their own making.
In August of '98, Steve toured Japan as part of Dave Samuels' "Tribute to Cal Tjader" Group. Apart from the tremendous reaction the group received, the tour was to have more far reaching consequences as it was here that plans were made for Steve, Dave Samuels and Dave Valentín to become the co-leaders of the reformed Caribbean Jazz Project. Together, the group recorded "NEW HORIZONS"(2000) was released on Concord Picante "PARAÍSO"(2001) both were released on Concord Picante and served to redefine just what the role of the guitar could be in Latin Jazz. However, in January of '02, citing conflicts over the group's direction, Steve chose to leave the group, and pursue |
