Search - Steve Kuhn :: Oceans in the Sky

Maybe his masterpiece

C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 12/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's hard to say that one of Steve Kuhn's albums is his best because his output is so prolific and so damned good.Not that I have loved everything (OK I can listen to him with friend Sheila Jordan but prefe the trio LP's).But this album is different than what I like most often which is standards all or maybe just a a an original or three thrown in.Here we have three main standards "Passion Flower","Lotus Blossom" and In Your Own Sweet Way".Duke and Brubeck could only grin from ear to ear hearing there rendering. and But here it's all so freakin' good that I think this is just beyond description.A five star pick at allmusicguide it is the inspired touch and interplay of Kuhn with bass ace Miroslav Vitous and Italian drummer extraordinaire Aldo Romano that elevates the inspired writing to a level,again hard to describe.Listen to samples here and give it a try.

Cheers

Chazz"

One of Kuhn's Best

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 10/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kuhn's trio for this session includes bassist Miroslav Vitous (known to many jazz fans as the original bassist for Weather Report) and drummer Aldo Romano. The three musicians seem to have excellent chemistry, exhibiting an abundance of energy in their playing. This quality is evident right from the first cut, Ivan Lins's "The Island (which has a phrase seemingly cribbed from "Jingle Bells"), wherein all three musicians make significant contributions.



The selection of tunes is diverse, with compositions by, among others, well-known composers such as Kenny Dorham, Claude Debussy, Duke Ellington, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dave Brubeck, Jules Styne, plus some cuts from Kuhn and Romano. Of special note is the title cut, "Oceans in the Sky," a Kuhn original that appears in various guises on several of his recordings. This piece has a sweep and en energy level that is simply breathtaking.



There is not a weak cut on this whole CD, and the recording quality (it was recorded in Paris in 1989) is truly excellent. This is one of the most enjoyable piano trio recordings in my whole collection, and I recommend it quite highly. If you are not familiar with Kuhn's artistry, this CD would be a great place to start. Chances are, once you audition this one, you will want to pick up more of his recordings."