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Steffen Kuehn & friends
SWAG
This third single, entitled ‘Swag’ from my upcoming album features some of today’s most prominent and accomplished jazz artists: Drummer Ari Hoenig, pianist Sullivan Fortner, and bassist James Genus have lent their immense talents to diverse artists such as Herbie Hancock, Richard Bona, Nat Adderley, Macy Gray, Kenny Werner, Saturday Night Live Band, Roy Hargrove, Samara Joy and many others.
My original composition ‘Swag’ spotlights this quartet’s affinity for a more groove-oriented vibe reminiscent of the 1960s soul jazz by the likes of Eddie Harris or Bill Lee’s composition ‘Mo’ Better Blues’ from the eponymous Spike Lee movie.
RUFF TIMES
‘Your smile’s burning clear in my mind like yesterday
and it’s bright like the sun
A laughter that warmed all the hearts that heard it sing
echoes after it’s gone….it’s gone’
These achingly beautiful lyrics, written by vocalist JD Walter reflect the space I was in when I wrote this tune for my dear friend Jon Ruff, who passed away unexpectedly some moons ago. Antonio Sanchez’s playing on this track perfectly captures the vibe of this tune, which is solemn but at the same time conveys Jon’s joy for life. Taylor Eigsti’s wonderful harmonization of the deceivingly simple-sounding chord progression is masterful, while the sustained synth bass is accentuated by Stefan Polzer’s slap electric bass, rounded up with Ray Obiedo’s driving single 16 th notes groove.
BACKSTAGE
You throw some Snarky Puppy, Tower of Power, Doobie Brothers and Pacific Mambo Orchestra into the mix and the outcome is something very refreshing and satisfying…. a deep TOP groove by David Garibaldi and Snarky Puppy’s Michael League, B3 by TOP’s key-man Roger Smith and Latin-Funk Master Guitarist Ray Obiedo with Sax Solo/Horn Section by Doobie Brother’s Marc Russo. All Trumpets, Arrangements and Production by Grammy® Award winning Trumpeter Steffen Kuehn.
Pacific Mambo Orchestra plays ‘Night In Tunisia’ featuring Jon Faddis (trumpet) and Dafnis Prieto (drums)
“Steffen Kuehn’s ‘Leap Of Faith’ captures a master of contemporary jazz at the top of his game.
This album is not only for friends of horn powered music but for the global community of good
jazz.”
“Kuehn has created an album that overflows with strength and substance, showing us exactly what he’s made of in every respect. ”