Guestbook
archive 21. This archive takes us from January, 2020 through December, 2020. Return to
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Hi Steve.
You must have lot of fans all around the world, so I don't know if you remember me. In 1979 or the early 1980's I bought your album "ARROWS." It struck me and on the insert was your P.O. Box address. So I wrote a (actual) letter to you and posted it. To my surprise, I got a letter back from America! (I still have it here, tucked safely away in the sleeve of "ARROWS." You talked about your other albums ("TIGHTROPE"; "THE BLUE MAN"; "EVIDENCE" and others) but especially about the artwork of Jean-Michel Folon.
Anyhow, I'm a huge fan of Frank Zappa and your work seems to match that (really!). Somehow, after all these years, after listening to Frank Zappa's "Watermelon In Easter Hay," I started to think about you again. So I looked you up on Spotify, and the first (or latest!) album that I found was "PATCHWORK." And the first song ("Epistrophy") was everything I could have wanted. I haven't even heard the rest of the album or the previous albums, but that was enough! It's like you had never been away!
Anyway: thanks for all the music since 1979, and I hope you are safe in these times. A sincere greeting from me, a long time fan. - Harry
Harry Lassche
Maarssen, Utrecht The Netherlands - Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 20:10:08 (EST)
Hi Steve, I just wanted to say "Hi!" - and I'm really grateful to you for giving me such awesome lessons back in mid-'90s in Boston. I wish that you have wonderful holidays and a happy new year 2021.
Masa Nakamura
Tokyo, Japan - Monday, December 21, 2020 at 20:24:29 (EST)
Hi Steve, Loved your tribute to Charley Pride at the "TRIBUTES" page. It was very moving and touching to read what you wrote about one of our great country music legends - and you mentioned the playing of Lloyd Green too. Thank you, and have a great holiday season.
"Tracks" Dempster
Gallatin, TN USA - Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 07:20:20 (EST)
Steve, que tal? It's been awhile!! Between COVID-19, hurricanes & election craziness, hope 'n' pray all is well with you y tu familia. Teaching online & brick 'n' mortar is hard, but a music teacher gave me a baritone ukulele he wasn't using, and have been brushing up on "CHORD KHANCEPTS" since a bari Uke is tuned DGBE, been having fun, relaxing 'n' playing after work. Take Care, D
D. Adonis Ordóñez
Tampa, FL USA - Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 23:14:55 (EST)
Hello Steve, I'm a composer and a big fan of your music. Here is my neo-classical version of "Where's Mumphrey?" from the "EYEWITNESS" album in 1981. Go to YouTube and type in: Übererregtheit. Hope you enjoy it. All the best, Dietmar
Dietmar Kirchner
Hohenems, Austria - Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 17:41:16 (EST)
Hey Steve, José Rizo (KKJZ-FM), during his Latin Jazz weekend programs on successive weekends, has been playing music from "PATCHWORK." He has played "A Shade of Jade"(2x), "C. & D." and "Epistrophy." He even played "Catta" from "BACKLOG." Terrific to hear your music on the air in Los Angeles. After all, it is your hometown. Always with good thoughts and prayers for you.
Lucy Jiménez
San Bernardino, CA USA - Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 02:50:27 (EST)
Listening to "Blue Zone 41," thank you so much for your music. Listened to your session with Walter Bishop too, again thanks. You have a unique and remarkable sound.
Neil Warwick
Bristol, UK - Saturday, November 07, 2020 at 15:22:31 (EST)
Dear Steve: I hope you are healthy and hopeful! Just read your essay at the NEWS page. I'm really torn between being hopeful and being disillusioned. I will only believe in Joe Biden's and Kamala Harris' victory, when they're sworn in, whenever that will be. Trump, the GOP and their street thugs will play very dirty, I guess there's no doubt about it! Civil war 2.0? I'm not so sure. Just wanted to say, "I'm thinking about you, my friend!" I hope we'll wake up in a better place tomorrow. Let's keep our fingers crossed!!! All the best, as always
Stephan Peters
Köln, Germany - Tuesday, November 03, 2020 at 13:12:38 (EST)
Dear Mr. Khan, I have been meaning to write this for many years, and may I begin by stating what a tremendous and positive influence your playing, composing and writings and transcriptions have been on my life and career. After graduating from music university I had a "lost" period of 6 months or so where there were no gigs and my morale was drained; I questioned whether I wanted to be a musician. This was cured by reading your entire website, and listening to "THE BLUE MAN" and "CASA LOCO" on repeat over a few days. I've never looked back!
Your music has wonderful breadth and I often feel that there is a Steve Khan album for any mood, which I account to your broad influences and, of course, your highly developed creative process. I am writing to you from Leeds, England where I am living for a year completing a music Masters degree. I am a Scottish jazz musician and may I again restate what a tremendous influence and inspiration you have been. As you say, if you like what someone does, let them know! Kind regards, Bobby
Bobby Osborne
Leeds, West Yorkshire UK - Monday, October 26, 2020 at 17:37:10 (EDT)
Steve, Greg Bryant, the overnight DJ @ WBGO did it again! But this time, he played the title track from "THE GREEN FIELD" - all 18-minutes of it! To hear you, Patitucci, DeJohnette and Manolo playing like that on the radio was really remarkable. Jack and Manolo are just somethin' else. Where did all that energy come from? Once again, it was so uplifting that my morning pre-dawn drive in to work passed by magically. Hoping that this small bit of news brightens your day, whenever it begins.
Terry Berglund
Freehold, NJ USA - Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 05:19:20 (EDT)
Steve, what a thrill. While driving into Manhattan for work during the overnight hours, Greg Bryant @ WBGO-FM actually played your entire "Thelonious Monk Medley." Yes, all 18+ minutes of it. Hearing it made my drive pass by with a sense of great serenity. "EVIDENCE" sounds like it could have been recorded yesterday. Your work and playing is truly enduring. Have a great day. Mine has already begun.
Terry Berglund
Freehold, NJ USA - Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 05:13:52 (EDT)
Hi Steve, When "TIGHTROPE" and "THE BLUE MAN." first came out, I wrote to you and told you that I was a huge fan of Jean-Michel Folon, and I mentioned how much I loved your choice of cover art! You were kind enough to send back a beautiful poster, which I still have hanging over my stereo and, a very nice letter. Well, forty-some years have passed, and I have yet another question for you. Just lately, I have been checking through my collection to complete a few missing titles and discovered that your 2007 CD, "BORROWED TIME" has two different covers, one for the USA and one for Japan/Germany. Could you tell me that story and why? Take care, I wish you well and happiness, and hope you are safe and secure in these strange times! - Doug
Doug Neal
Portage, MI USA - Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 16:42:40 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I'm a 62 year old drummer, and my kit is '60s Pearl, and it sounds great. Just listened to my fave album (vinyl), "THE BLUE MAN." What great musicians: the Brecker Brothers, Sanborn, Gadd, etc. Your Tele sounded so great on this album! I'll pick-up "PATCHWORK" on Amazon, and can't wait to play it. Best regards, Tim
Tim Bailey
Maple Grove, MN USA - Saturday, August 08, 2020 at 13:24:13 (EDT)
"PATCHWORK" -> "Epistrophy"!! Only a genius like you could mix "Guy Lafleur" and "Epistrophy" in that sublime way! and...what a band!!!! Hi from Italy !!!! - Max
Massimo Pellini
Roma, Italia - Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 03:43:47 (EDT)
Hi Steve, I recently discovered your solo work and can't get enough of it. It's been a real pleasure to discover such great (and often challenging) music. I also really enjoy your website: as someone who doesn't know you except for your music and writing, I really feel it has a warmth, personality and depth of information that's rare.
Thanks for the music and the laughs (courtesy of your website; I share your political views so perhaps, I'm your audience). Keep up everything you're doing, it's all great. I hope you, your family and your friends are safe and well. Warm regards, Liam
Liam Maruff
Enoggera, QLD Australia - Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 22:18:16 (EDT)
Hey man! Just wanna say as a fan of Jim Hall your analysis and transcriptions of "Alone Together" and "Desmond Blue" helped me a lot at university while studying jazz, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. So thank you for making it all free and available for a poor student! Haha :)
Sam Evans
Leeds, West Yorkshire UK - Monday, July 20, 2020 at 05:43:36 (EDT)
Steve - the sun was coming up on the turnpike as I returned from a family gathering in Philadelphia (social distancing and masks were on full display), I was listening to the radio and WBGO, and the wonderful DJ Sheila Anderson happened to play "An Eye Over Autumn" from your 1978 "THE BLUE MAN" album. I have to tell you that it brought a tear to my eye to hear Michael Brecker and Don Grolnick playing like that, because we have lost them, and they are so very missed. I never expected to hear a piece of music like that on what has been a very 'traditional' Jazz radio station. What a great tune that is. In case you missed this, I wanted you to know that it actually happened! Hoping that your Sunday will be filled with a sense of peace.
Thomas Capers
Englewood, NJ USA - Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 07:16:29 (EDT)
Steve, after a very scary nightmare, while trying to recover my senses, I turned on WBGO, and I happened to hear that DJ Greg Bryant was playing your entire, yes all 18+ minutes of the "Thelonious Monk Medley" from your incredible "EVIDENCE" album from 1980. 40 years later, it still looms as an amazing feat. I thought that you would want to know that this actually happened. It sounded so wonderful on the radio. Have a great weekend.
Marlon P. James
Belmar, NJ USA - Friday, June 26, 2020 at 04:23:14 (EDT)
Hey Steve, I accidentally bought a Steve Kuhn LP thinking it was one of yours. I didn't see you on the rear cover, and just assumed that your picture was on the inside, because it was your album, Steve Khan's album. Anyway I'm out seven bucks, and I don't like flute. I'll make up for this, if it's last thing I do! Cheers, KD
Kelly Dwyer
Lafayette, IN USA - Monday, June 22, 2020 at 21:43:40 (EDT)
Steve, I just wanted to say you are a treasure. You play great. You're a great teacher, and I appreciate the humility I see in you. The world could use more like you. I just wanted to say thanks for your work. I'm a 66 year old player, with a masters in music, playing commercial music for the money, basically I wanted to say thanks. Stay well.
Bruce Guerineau
Saratoga, NY USA - Friday, June 19, 2020 at 17:33:49 (EDT)
Hi Steve, With the inexorable march of time comes reflection! Guy, you're part of the musical lexicon of my life, and I wanted to reach out and say how fantastic it is that you're continuing to work and record. The first song I played was the title track from "THE BLUE MAN" (as a DJ @ KGOU, 106.3) the year it was released. And through the years, with this beguiling body of work of yours, I can only say "Thank God." Bless your journey man, play as long as you can. Steve
Steve Klein
Dallas, TX USA - Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 22:45:53 (EDT)
Steve, it was great to see you mentioned in Keith Williams' "5 WATT WORLD" YouTube historical post about the Gibson ES-335. Given the breadth and scope of your career, especially all of your own albums since "EYEWITNESS"(1980), you certainly deserve to be there. Congratulations! Don't ever stop making recordings.
Chopper Bates
Rialto, CA USA - Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 16:11:41 (EDT)
Steve...not sure if you would remember but, my friend and I sat in front of you and your son at the NY Ranger games for years. Who knew 1994 would be the last year they would win the Stanley Cup? Hope all is well.
Steven Hartmann
Avon, CT USA - Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 14:43:54 (EDT)
Hey Steve, am a fellow guitarist and big fan of your work. In regards to your solo on "Glamour Profession" from Steely Dan's "GAUCHO." I was wondering if you could share more information on the Gibson ES-Artist you used on it? I am the proud owner of one myself and a die hard Steely Dan fan. Thank you for the amazing music, would be amazing if you came to Wales and played sometime!
Daniel Evans
Newport, Wales UK - Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 17:20:13 (EDT)
Hi Steve! I just wanted to say I'm still listening to your music almost 40 years on and I love "PATCHWORK." The performance of Joe Henderson's "A Shade Of Jade" is outstanding. Your playing is wonderful on this tune all the way through. And Randy Brecker's flawless playing is another great feature. I love your original tune as well. I also picked up "BACKLOG" which I'll be listening to this week. The CD design and photography is beautiful on these Tone Center releases. Thanks for your fine artistry and dedication to great music making. Stay well!
Reid Whitton
Syracuse, NY USA - Tuesday, June 09, 2020 at 00:02:00 (EDT)
Steve - We e-mailed years ago. Anyhow, I play along to something of yours almost every day - "Epistrophy" lately ;-) - on Spotify, and I just wanted to tell you how happy I am that so much of your work is available again. I poured over your albums in college (North Texas), and you've been one of my greatest influences. Thanks for your gifts and life's work. God bless.
Mike Kolesar
El Paso, TX USA - Tuesday, June 02, 2020 at 18:54:00 (EDT)
Hi Steve, Love your music!
Les Umanzor
Washington, DC USA - Tuesday, June 02, 2020 at 13:10:29 (EDT)
Dear Steve: I saw the updates on your NEWS page, and am getting ready to start in on Sarah Cooper. Thanks for the tip. I could use something funny. I hope that you are well. Regards,
Larry Weissman
Roswell, GA USA - Monday, June 01, 2020 at 17:30:43 (EDT)
Hey Steve, Hope all is well, and you've been on my mind lately, so I grabbed the BGO Records "EYEWITNESS"/"MODERN TIMES"/"CASA LOCO" CD and really enjoyed it. I'm a happy guy. Be well,
Steve Kiener
Rochester, NY USA - Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 19:07:35 (EDT)
Congratulations on "PATCHWORK," a tasty addition to the legacy and one of my favorites in your catalog. Hope you are safe and sound, and finding creative things to do, Folon collages included.
Mike Petri
Akron, PA USA - Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 19:45:23 (EDT)
Happy Birthday Steve! and many more. You have been a source of phrasing inspiration that keeps me playing the drums. Been a fan for a while now ever since I found "THE BLUE MAN" and "EYEWITNESS" on vinyl while in high school. "LET'S CALL THIS" is still one of my go to albums for a rainy day. Also love your newer "PATCHWORK." Hope you can make it to Buffalo when this Covid19 blows over. The Tralf is still open!
Brian Smith
Buffalo, NY USA - Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 13:57:00 (EDT)
I just have to tell you, every time I play a ballad and use my Wah, the sound I hear in my head, and have for many years, is your sound on "Darlin' Darlin' Baby." I know this harkens back many years, but to me, it's the best Wah sound I've ever heard, second only to Hendrix, of course. Those long notes still kill me every time. Atmospheric.
While I'm here, I'd like to thank you for your very generous website and your Wes Montgomery transcriptions, which have given me much pleasure and food for thought over the years, and the wonderful music you have made.
Anyway, thanks again, and I hope that you're all okay in New York. The news we get here is horrific. Be careful with that disinfectant... Seriously. Regards, Steve W
Steve Wilson
Adelaide, Australia - Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 07:02:10 (EDT)
Hi Steve. Almost twenty years ago I bought your two books "PENTATONIC KHANCEPTS" & "CHORD KHANCEPTS." Many of the musical phrases contained in the books have changed my playing forever. Now after many years, I decided to go back to the wisdom contained in it, and was hearing the lines you played over the chord changes. Have you ever done transcriptions of those? Thank you
Wolfgang Cordsen
Rignano Flaminio, Italy - Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 09:45:51 (EDT)
Dear Steve, I've listened carefully to "PATCHWORK," and I like it very much. Your recording is a gem for all the musicality it has, and especially the dream team you've put in the band. Dennis Chambers and Marc Quiñones sounded amazing. I loved the most the guest appearances of Randy Brecker and Bob Mintzer. My favorite songs were "Naan issue" (that sound of the melody is awesome!) and "The Journey Home." I hope you too are happy with your recording. I can't imagine how much planning and organizing it took. Abrazos desde Bolivia!
Alfredo Paredes
La Paz, Bolivia - Monday, April 20, 2020 at 21:38:04 (EDT)
Steve, I really love your version of "Too Late Now" on "PATCHWORK." Been one of my faves since the Wes version. Your comping on "A Shade of Jade" is pure genius! Bravo!
Ed Williams
Palo Alto, CA USA - Monday, April 20, 2020 at 00:10:39 (EDT)
Thanks for all the great sounds Steve! Looking forward to more in the coming years!
Jim Smith
Martinez, CA USA - Friday, April 17, 2020 at 23:58:25 (EDT)
Thanks a lot for everything. Walter
Walter Rodríguez
Mijas, Málaga España - Monday, April 13, 2020 at 19:33:14 (EDT)
Steve, Just listened to "PATCHWORK" and really thought it was great. I particularly liked what you did with "Epistrophy," "A Shade of Jade" and "Naan Issue." So many creative things happening melodically with the improvisation, and the tone is always awesome. Great album. Tom
Tom Hackett
Columbus, GA USA - Friday, April 10, 2020 at 20:50:05 (EDT)
Hi Steve, Hoping to just say hi and see how you're doing with all the virus craziness going on. I hope you're well. I just ordered a few CDs of yours from Amazon, and i've been finding your vinyl releases lately. Take care and respond when you can. Thanks! Scott
Scott Winterle
Orlando, FL USA - Friday, March 27, 2020 at 03:57:01 (EDT)
Dear Steve, You are probably sick to death of guitarists sending you emails to just say THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the great transcriptions you post for all to learn from.
Subsequently, this note is perhaps just another nail in your coffin! Many, many thanks. Peace to you and yours. Todd
Todd Brooks
Oklahoma City, OK USA - Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 11:15:42 (EDT)
Hi Steve, just received "PATCHWORK" on Saturday. Thanks for the terrific music again. I hope you are in good health in these Corona times.
Peter Kemper
Almere, Flevoland, The Netherlands - Monday, March 09, 2020 at 17:06:30 (EDT)
Steve, I just read your very emotional and moving homage to McCoy Tyner at your TRIBUTES page. At least I shared with him a connection to the great city of Philadelphia. Thank you for your beautiful words, they help during a time of deep mourning over the loss of this great pianist, who changed this music forever.
Ralston Collins
Philadelphia, PA USA - Friday, March 06, 2020 at 19:20:47 (EST)
Cool! Really enjoyed the NYU Jazz Podcast/Interview with Dr. David Schroeder! Hope you're well!!! - Jeff
Jeff Babko
Valley Village, CA USA - Friday, February 28, 2020 at 13:22:26 (EST)
Been a big fan since I was 14. Just watched your interview on the NYU/Steinhardt Series - great stuff. I still listen to my favorites from my youth including Ralph Towner, the Brecker Bros., Steve Gadd, Dave Valentín and yourself. The soundtrack of my years in Latin America, you were one the main musicians who filled the void in a faraway land. Respect and many blessings to you. So glad you are still here! You look very healthy for 72. Legend, pure and simple! P.S. I showed a lot of Spanish folks your music. Keep yourself safe. Brock
Brock Withers Booker
Virginia Beach, VA USA - Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 13:19:10 (EST)
Hi Steve! Been awhile, after I bought your 2 "KHANCEPTS" books. GREAT STUFF! I just saw that you have another book, "The WES MONTGOMERY GUITAR FOLIO." I've always loved Wes' playing, but it was his 'chord melody' solos that blew me away. It took awhile for me to learn his chord solo in "Down By The Riverside" from the "DYNAMIC DUO" album with Jimmy Smith. I also like the new twists that you use in your own chord solos. Does the Wes book offer more of this concept? Thanks again for all that you've contributed to the ART of Jazz Guitar.
Mytch Meadows
Camano Island, WA USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 00:18:25 (EST)
You once did me a favor, and my daughter and I have loved your playing ever since "Darlin' Darlin' Baby."
However, your "A Shade of Jade" is on a whole new level of fusion awesomeness. I am completely struck. All the best to you! Thanks for the CSTE tape from years ago!
Tom Coppola
Hartsdale, NY USA - Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 17:29:12 (EST)
I think your playing and composing is the best currently in Jazz. I have followed you since Steve Marcus, and I have about 25 of your albums. I also love Farlow, Martino, Raney and Kessel, so I include you in good company. Please live to be at least as old as your father so that I can continue to buy at least one CD a year from you. God Bless and keep you and yours...
Ramón Castillo
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, February 07, 2020 at 18:54:25 (EST)
Hi Steve, You are one of my favorite guitar players, and I love your newest album, "PATCHWORK." I just hope that you are planning a tour. If so, please come to Spain. I would love to see you in concert. Muchas gracias, Harald
Harald Hilperath
Frigiliana, Málaga Spain - Thursday, February 06, 2020 at 07:32:38 (EST)
Long time listener, but just heard your "Have You Met Miss Jones?"... stunning, and now checking out your STEVE RECOMMENDS list. Are you on social media?
April Perkinson
Kawasaki, VA Japan - Wednesday, February 05, 2020 at 06:07:03 (EST)
Hi Steve, Hope all is well. I heard "C. & D." on KJAZ here in L.A. last weekend. It BLEW MY MIND!!! So cool. Loved hearing this. The band sounds so AMAZING. Hope to hear this group live some day. Lifelong fan of yours, all the best, John
John Ferraro
Newport Beach, CA USA - Tuesday, February 04, 2020 at 00:30:54 (EST)
Hey Steve, It's been a few years since I last communicated with you, but hearing "PATCHWORK" made me say hello. Glad to hear about Japan's "JAZZ LIFE" magazine, 22 All-Time Great Jazz Guitarists. I agree. Pushing KCSM (out here in the Bay Area) to play you a bit more! Anyway congrats, keep those fingers healthy and playing.
Steve Fondario
San Francisco, CA USA - Saturday, February 01, 2020 at 13:11:20 (EST)
Steve, great post about James Taylor recording your father's song, "Teach Me Tonight" for his upcoming album, "AMERICAN STANDARD." It is a warm and wonderful interpretation by JT. He makes all songs feel as though HE wrote them.
Norm Sherwood
Rochester, NY USA - Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 12:12:52 (EST)
Happy New Year 2020! Love your playing, Steve! You definitely have your own GTR voice. I was listening to a station on Pandora the other day, a song came on that I had never heard. I thought, "that guitar sounds like Steve Khan." I checked, and of course it was from "PARTING SHOT"! Admittedly, I only owned "TIGHTROPE" and "CASA LOCO," which I purchased back in the day! ANYWAY! Love your stuff and the Latin Jazz you produce! Peace!
Jim Buxton
Crowley, TX USA - Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 14:15:40 (EST)
Just read the great article in "The Absolute Sound." How wonderful. I hope that all is well. Let's catch up soon.
Larry Weissman
Roswell, GA USA - Monday, January 13, 2020 at 20:12:28 (EST)