The opener, saxophonist Bob Mintzer's piece titled, "Six Gun" is an ebullient, mid-tempo swing while Kuhn's easily-recognizable or patented elegance and signature style is notably portrayed from the onset. Kuhn's flair and casual poise ride atop the skillful rhythmic articulations by veteran and highly esteemed bassist George Mraz in collaboration with the inimitable jazz session drummer, Al Foster. Here, Kuhn's intelligent comping and sweeping lines aid Mintzer's breezy and lyrically rich tenor sax solo. Kuhn displays his romantic side on Dori Caymmi's touching, "Romance" while trumpeter Tom Harrell joins Kuhn, Mraz and Foster on his original composition, "Visions of Gaudi." The trumpeter's majestic yet smooth, sleek tone and poignant phrasing equalize Kuhn's reflective or soul-searching performance as they comfortably dance through another persuasively memorable composition. Kuhn is in stellar form on Steve Swallow's piece, "Remember" while demonstrating impeccable technique and emotive characteristics via stylish utilization of tremolo, subtle inflections, swirling chord progressions yet most of all, the remarkable synergy he and Harrell enjoy as the primary soloists. Kuhn directs the rhythms with an active left hand on his swinging original "Looking Back" as the pianist and Harrell once again engage in smooth, airy interplay while Kuhn pushes and prods the band in a quiet sort of way!
Steve Kuhn's remarkable inventiveness, truly distinctive sound and style, melodic gifts and cultivated approach place him among the vanguard of modern day jazz pianists. Seasons of Romance proves that notion in elevated fashion! - Glenn Astarita
Tracks
01. Six Gun (Bob Mintzer)
02. Romance (Dori Caymmi)
03. Visions of Gaudi (Tom Harrell)
04. There Is No Greater Love (Isham Jones/Marty Symes)
05. The Pawbroker (Quincy Jones)
06. Remember (Steve Swallow)
07. Clotilde (Steve Kuhn)
08. Good Morning, Heartache (Ervin Drake/Dan Fisher/Irene Higginsbotham)
09. Looking Back (Brook Benton/Belford Hendicks/Steve Kuhn/Clyde Otis)
STEVE KUHN piano
BOB MINTZER tenro saxophone
TOM HARRELL trumpet
GEORGE MRAZ bass
AL FOSTER drums
Recorded April 12 snd 13, 1995 at Sound on Sound New York City
Postcards Records - POST 1009