Unstandards

Steve and the trio swing in any number of ways as they move blissfully through this stunning studio live recording of what Steve calls “UnStandards” - jazz songs that stand the test of time but are simply not as well known as the “Standards.” Most of the tunes are hauntingly familiar, and are presented here with Steve’s fresh, inventive arrangements that bring these wonderful songs back to their rightful place in the limelight. In UnStandards, Steve and the trio keep good company covering some great tunes from an impressive list of composers - Cole Porter, Michel Legrand, George Shearing, Burt Bacharach, Irving Berlin, Max Steiner, and Rogers & Hart.

This trio is right in the pocket; they know each other so well they literally “breathe” together, clearly enjoying each other’s talents and musicality. Steve really delivers when he plays live, and especially when he can solo from above the amazing rhythm section of the masterful Kim Stone on Acoustic Bass (The Rippingtons), and Drummer Ronnie Shaw, an expert in the traditional use of “brushes”. Kim’s bold jazzy bass lines are a great complement to Steve’s articulate, witty and heartfelt playing.

Steve tears it up in this “straight-ahead jazz" format, while incorporating the same creativity and sensitive musical voice he puts into all his projects. This recording is what jazz is all about, capturing the wonderfully warm, live and “in the moment conversations” between the players.