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Meeting Steve
Barta was a serendipitous experience. I was hired to play a benefit
gig in Colorado Springs and Steve and his group were one of the
four bands on the program. I hear a lot of different music on the
road but I find that most players unfortunately fall into the trap
of imitating the current trends.
However, there was something about Steve's music that caught my
attention - it was very melodic, lyrical and most importantly, there
was something original about his compositions.
After listening to Blue River many times now, it strikes me that
the originality I hear in Steve's music might, in part, be a result
of his living in the country. Most professional musicians live in
urban environments for obvious reasons. Steve has chosen the more
difficult path for a performer by living in the Colorado Rockies
- there aren't a lot of available gigs in the mountains. However,
the "spirit" of that rural environment seems to emanate
from his compositions and creates a feeling that is different from
what I hear in other "contemporary Jazz" - something more
substantial, more vital and visual.
Another aspect to the originality I hear is Steve's incorporation
of Brazilian feeling into his work. This might sound silly, but
it's kind of like "Brazilian Mountain High", or, light
feijoada, or a curious blend of Aaron Copland and Antonio Carlos
Jobim. I think Blue River is special. I hope you'll enjoy it!
- Herbie Mann
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