Search - Steve Howe :: Haunted Melody

Steve Howe playing jazz !?!

eveoflove | North York, Ontario Canada | 09/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Made in UK in 2008, Serial# HSCD-002, Playing Time 57:39



Even though this album was (perhaps?) released simultaneously to the "Motif Volume 1" CD, we're treated here to performances from a jazz (yes, jazz!) trio consisting of Steve, his son Dylan on drums, and Ross Stanley on organ.



This recording feels spontaneous, perhaps because it was recorded over a 2-day (yes 2-day, not 2-month or 2-year) period: so it feels genuine and somewhat "loose": it reminds me of the LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT project, but without all the volume, and is jazz instead of fusion.



The boys seem to be enjoying themselves, and are interacting well with each other: it doesn't feel overly rehearsed.



The only track that seems out of place is "Laughing With Larry", which is Steve playing by himself.



It's not traditional jazz (caveat emptor), but it certainly showcases a new "side" to Steve's style. Besides, it's worth grabbing if only to hear a couple of YES tracks completely transfigured!



A bold move, which I hope will please many fans of the maestro!



"

Lots of fun!

luv my 20D! | SF Valley, CA | 03/11/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's a great change of pace to hear a rock guy - albeit an extraordinarily skilled and knowledgeable rock guy - playing in a straightahead jazz context. All three of these musicians are pushing the limits of their technique and having a great time doing it, which makes this a much more fun and interesting listen than your average jazz guitar CD.



It's also great to hear some of Steve Howe's signature licks in this context. He's the only guy I know of who uses octaves in a way that doesn't sound like Wes Montgomery, and he gets to explore that here far more than he does in Yes. He even gets sloppy in places because he's pushing himself so hard - but all that energy comes through the speakers.



No, it ain't "Full House"; none of these players compares to a top jazz talent in terms of harmonic concept, swing, etc. And except for "Mood for a Day," the adaptations of the Yes material don't work for me. But everything else kills. Besides, there's lots of great jazz players out there still doing pretty much the same thing Wes did. It's fantastic to hear a new voice. Now I'm dreaming of a Steve Howe/Charlie Hunter duos CD....



An absolute must for any Steve Howe fan."

Steve Howe plays jazz

C. Ridgway | 05/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would thoroughly recommend this albumn to any fan of Steve Howe. He expands his style into the territory of electric jazz guitar. The tracks include some jazz renditions of YES songs as well as jazz classics. Besides Steve's excellent guitaring there is also great support from Ross Stanley on Hammond organ and Steve's son, Dylan Howe, provides excellent drumming on this albumn. I rate this albumn highly as it breaks new territory for the Steve Howe fan."