Khan, Steve: Patchwork

Patchwork is the fourth in a series of Latin inspired jazz music from legendary guitarist Steve Khan, and he's joined on this collection of original pieces & expert interpretations of old classics by Rob Mounsey (keyboards), Rubén Rodríguez (bass), Bobby Allende (Conga), Marc Quiñones (various percussion), and Dennis Chambers (Drums), along with special guests Randy Brecker (Flügelhorn), Bob Mintzer (Tenor Sax), Jorge Estrada (keyboards), and Tatiana Parra (Voice). Though Khan made a name for himself during the glory days of the fusion era, he's also immersed himself in funk, pop, and many other styles over the years, but he still carries a little of that fusion fire in these Latin/Afro Cuban drenched tunes. Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" bounces, bubbles, and boils, tasty lead guitar melodies dance around the mix amid plenty of groove laden rhythms. "C. & D." features some upbeat salsa rhythms and plenty of weaving sax, keyboard, bass, and guitar lines for a wild ride, while "Naan Issue" also sways & bops with no shortage of Latin tinged rhythms and Steve's sumptuous lead guitar lines. "A Shade of Jade", the great Joe Henderson song, shines in the hands of this group, Brecker's Flügelhorn soaring high, giving way to Khan's liquid jazz guitar excursions. Nimble drums & percussion highlight the Latin fusion gem from Ornette Coleman "T &T" (man, Chambers & Quinones are GOLD here!) and Keith Jarrett's gorgeous "The Journey Home" becomes a 15-minute example of lovely acoustic & electric jazz, Khan's tender guitar tones floating over percussive washes and majestic keyboards before the addicting Latin grooves kick in. The album closes with the upbeat "Huracan Clare", chock full of acrobatic percussion, tasty guitar, and the swirling electric piano of Estrada.

Classy stuff from start to finish, Patchwork shows the always dependable Steve Khan still at the top of his game. With his top notch cast of supporting musicians, he's created a beautiful album here that will thrill any fan of Latin jazz & guitar fusion. Highly recommended!

Track Listing
1 Epistrophy 8:08
2 C. & D. 7:45
3 Bouquet 7:27
4 Naan Issue 7:42
5 A Shade of Jade 10:20
6 Too Late Now 7:48
7 T. & T. 6:14
8 The Journey Home 15:36
9 Huracan Clare 6:52
10 Nature Boy (Bonus Track) 2:40

Added: November 4th 2019
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 1349
Language: english

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