Posts Tagged ‘ Steve Oliver ’

Steve Oliver – A New Light

ANewLightWith a career spanning over 25 years in music, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Oliver is still being heard each day on contemporary and smooth jazz radio around the world.His career has produced multiple #1 hits on the Billboard charts and countless radio staples over nearly two decades – including with his album “Unified” (2020) – a collaboration with keyboardist Brian Simpson that has reached the #1 spot on the Billboard and Amazon jazz sales charts.

Having released tenth studio albums, a live CD / DVD package and a “Best Of”, for Oliver, music is therapy and a welcomed diversion from the current world climate. With radio legacy hits to his credit including “High Noon”, “Fun In The Sun”, and “Global Kiss”, today Oliver is just as comfortable being a creator, adviser, and mentor to others.

Now Steve Oliver is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of his new album “A New Light”, due out 9/29. With his latest project “A New Light”, Oliver finds his way back into the glow of “smooth jazz” radio with a collection of originals that will surely please fans that have known his work for decades. Working with hit co-producer Michael “B” Broening, as well as longtime friend, saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa (featured on the title track), legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and bassist Larry Antonino, Steve again conveys his deep passion for memorable compositions, subtle electronics, world influences, pop melodies, and jazz intricacies. Carrying on the themes of his past albums such as “Radiant” and the aforementioned “Illuminate”, “A New Light” brings a familiar and warm tone with a few surprises.

Pre-order the album here.

2023
08/14
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Steve Oliver – Sojourn

312177551_574005718063286_1585897096834319604_nMulti-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Steve Oliver is known for his distinctive style, which results from three components. Foremost a jazz guitarist, he follows his guitar performance with his voice. This jazz singing wherein words are sung note for note to melodies is called vocalese. Steve Oliver’s trademark is the wordless vocalese. The third component is the Roland (Boss) GR-33 guitar synthesizer which bases on the Roland JV-1080 sounds and is triggered by his guitars.

Sojourn is his second solo guitar album, which will be released November 11, 2022. Oliver announces: “When you listen to the Sojourn album, you will hear orchestra, piano, sitar, and electronic elements with no overdubs. Each song is played completely live with only one guitar, no other instruments are used.
I write songs on my guitar first, composing the melody and chords at the same time. I love to hear the purity and originality of each new song as it emerges, played with just me and my guitar.

My guitars are Midi, ones that I helped develop with the Kiesel Guitars luthiers. The NS1, SH575, Midi, are an important part of my guitar sound. Triggering multiple sounds at the same time when I am recording my compositions adds layers of color and texture to each piece of music I write. It’s been an amazing and joyful experience for me to record songs from my past albums and bring new compositions to life with this concept. I hope you enjoy this solo album as it was designed for you, my listeners, so that you can hear the music as I did and understand how it was created.”

The album will be streamed. However pre-sale CDs will be available earlier on Steve’s website.

2022
10/25
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Brian Simpson & Steve Oliver – Unified

Two celebrities of the music business are joining forces for a common project. Keyboardist Brian Simpson and guitarist Steve Oliver bundle their talents for Unified, scheduled for release January 17, 2020 on Shanachie Entertainment.

On the new album Brian performs piano and keyboards, Steve Oliver guitars, vocals and sound design. They are supported by Alex Al (bass), Eric Valentine (drums) and Ramon Yslas (percussion). Guest musicians are bassist Larry Antonino and trumpet player Rick Braun on Fired Up, guitarist Darrel Crooks on Celestial Body and Café du Monde.

The album opens with the title song. Our main matadors have brought their sound to absolute perfection. Everything interlocks and flows smoothly. The Road Never Ends presents fresh vibes of both musicians on a high professional base. Finally, the song leads into an excellent call and response exchange between guitar and piano.

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2019
12/28
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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Brian Simpson & Steve Oliver – Unified

“I’m an advocate of music healing and bringing people together,” says guitarist/vocalist, composer and producer Steve Oliver. “Let your mind wander along the path these songs take and perhaps you’ll have a brighter day, or connect with your deepest emotions,” adds pianist, composer and producer Brian Simpson. Unified, the anticipated new recording from Simpson and Oliver, showcases the chart-topping Contemporary Jazz pioneers’ good will in a captivating set of eleven moving originals. “I have worked with Brian on his last two solo albums and we have such a blast being creative in the studio. We laugh a lot!”

The sheer joy that Oliver and Simpson share permeates every note on Unified and is evidenced in their joyous interplay, effervescent grooves and mind-bending soundscapes. Independently, the two have been churning out hits for over two decades. Simpson’s Midas touch has been called upon by everyone from Janet Jackson, Teena Marie and George Duke, to Stanley Clarke, Boney James and Dave Koz. Oliver’s winning approach has allowed him to collaborate with the likes of The Neville Brothers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Reid, Larry Carlton, Rick Braun, Acoustic Alchemy and Gato Barbieri, to name a few.

On Unified Brian Simpson and Steve Oliver enlist help from bassist Alex Al, drummer Eric Valentine and percussionist Ramon Yslas. The CD opens with the inviting, spicy and funky title track and album’s first single. Simpson and Oliver set the perfect mood to take you for a spin on the dance floor with a righteous combination of sophistication and soul. The exquisite “The Road Never Ends” travels a euphoric path with its shifting and pulsating rhythms, sailing melodies and harmonic twists. A few tracks on Unified lean towards Brian Simpson and Steve Oliver’s affinity for EDM. “Our original vision for the CD was more of an electronic music concept, but as it is evolved it moved more into a Contemporary Jazz project.” Two of the tracks that showcase this vibe are the hypnotic “What The Wind Knows,” and the ethereal “Last Summer.” “I am a big fan of electronic music and I like the combination of great rhythms and melodies with acoustic instruments and electronic sounds,” shares Oliver who is a fan of both Art of Noise and Dzihan & Kamien. Label-mate and trumpeter Rick Braun joins Simpson and Oliver on the bluesy swinger “Fired Up,” while the tender “Like No Other” will have you singing its sweet and ear-catching melody in no time.

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2019
11/24
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Steve Oliver – Illuminate

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Steve Oliver is known for his distinctive style, which results from three components. Foremost a jazz guitarist, he follows his guitar performance with his voice. This jazz singing wherein words are sung note for note to melodies is called vocalese. Steve Oliver’s trademark is the wordless vocalese. The third component is the Roland (Boss) GR-33 guitar synthesizer which bases on the Roland JV-1080 sounds and is triggered by his guitars.

His album Illuminate is now available, his 11th career album. Steve has written and produced all songs. He plays all guitars, guitar synth, vocal sounds, bass, keyboards, drums, sound design. On selected tracks he is joined by Joel Taylor (drums), Cory de Brake, Jimmy Haslip, KT Tylor (bass), Walle Larsson, Chase Huna, Nelson Rangell, BillyRay Sheppard (saxophone), Tateng Katindig (piano), and Craig Chessnut (percussion).

The best way to get started on a new project is to get going at full steam. The aptly titled Full Tilt features Steve Oliver as master at work in the style he is known for and loved by his audience. The Game Is On serves syncopated thrill with exciting freshness.

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2018
08/11
CATEGORY
Blues
CD Reviews
Contemporary Jazz
Smooth Jazz
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Steve Oliver – Illuminate

Illuminate is the much-anticipated 11th career album from multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Steve Oliver, who returns with a record deeply rooted in contemporary jazz guitar melodies and Steve’s trademark wordless vocalize.

His first collection of new original instrumentals since 2012, Illuminate shines a light upon Steve’s highly successful career – one that has produced multiple #1 hits on the Billboard charts and countless radio staples over nearly two decades. With Steve’s instantly recognizable guitar lines and a list of guest artists that includes bass virtuoso Jimmy Haslip, the incredible Joel Taylor on drums, and sax luminary Nelson Rangell, Illuminate puts the spotlight back on one of the genre’s most engaging performers and songwriters.

The album will be released August 3, 2018 in all stores.

2018
07/04
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Steve Oliver – Pictures and Frames

13071748_949881478414240_753086479226416341_oPerfectly capturing the soul-searching music of our times and the universal sense of wonder human beings have been contemplating since the beginning of time, Steve Oliver (www.steveolivermusic.com) follows a dynamic decade and a half of #1 instrumental Billboard Jazz hit making and global touring by asking the simple but resonant question “Why?”

The soulful, thought-provoking track, the lead single from the multi-talented singer, songwriter and guitarist’s first ever all-vocal album, Pictures and Frames, is currently shipping to Pop Contemporary stations nationwide. It’s Oliver’s first official venture into the pop format after nine albums and over 15 years of dominance on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. Oliver has always sprinkled a few pop/R&B vocals into his instrumental albums — but “Why” and many of the other tracks on the album mark a deeper emergences as an observational, socially conscious songwriter.

Recorded at the legendary Capitol Studios in Hollywood, the John Mayer, Sting and Steely Dan influenced Pictures and Frames features the exotic soundscaping of Steve Reid (former percussionist of contemporary jazz powerhouse The Rippingtons) and the all star rhythm section of bassist Lee Sklar (whose 2,000 studio sessions include multiple albums with James Taylor, Phil Collins and Linda Ronstadt) and legendary jazz/rock drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, known for his work with Sting, Frank Zappa, Eric Clapton and Herbie Hancock, among hundreds of others. Continue reading →

2016
04/21
CATEGORY
Pop
Smooth Jazz
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Steve Oliver – Best Of So Far

BestOfSoFarCelebrate a milestone in the musical career of Steve Oliver. With eight albums over the last 15 years, Steve’s Best Of so far gathers multiple #1 Billboard hits and fan favorites including 2 brand new songs.

From 1999’s First View, Oliver recaptures the magic of that first album by re-recording ‘West End’ and ‘I Know’ for this compilation. Concert and radio favorites like ‘High Noon’, ‘Chips and Salsa’ and ‘Fun in the Sun’ will keep listeners on their feet. ‘Calling You’ and ‘Hello Mornin’ are wonderful new songs that feel right at home among this collection of hits.

The title suggests these are the best so far, and as a collection, it definitely reflects the consistent energy and great songwriting skills that has kept Steve Oliver a chart topping name, a great guitarist/vocalist and producer. Here’s to the next 15 Steve at Amazon.com.

2015
01/31
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Eddie Reddick – All Basses Covered, pt. 2

eddiereddickAll Basses Covered 2 (The Raw Mix) is a remix of All Basses Covered 1. Eddie recorded All Basses Covered 1 a few years ago as a basic experiment. Coming from funk roots back in the day as the Bassist for The La Boppers, his whole intention was to stay true to the funk he grew up with. He wanted to create solid bass grooves from a solitary bass line by utilizing his four and five string Basses, then laying some chords and melodies with the six sring bass. Eventually adding lyrics to complete the process.

This process proved to be a bigger task than he bargained for. He found out quickly that frequencies dont care about canceling out each other (particularly low frequencies). Three and four basses on one track can be somewhat of a challenge to say the least. Keep in mind while dealing with the freqency challenges, he still wanted to stay focused and remain true to the funk. On ABC-2 Eddie has chosen 5 tracks from ABC-1 to rework by remixing and re-mastering them.

The new CD is still funk oriented but it is a much cleaner and smoother version of the first effort. If you like heavy Bass and Funk grooves this endeavor is definitely for you. All Basses Covered 2 (The Raw Mix) consists of 5 songs from ABC-1 along with 4 new tracks co-written with producer/song writer Steve Oliver. Steve brought a whole new fresh and smooth flavor to the project. All Basses Covered 2 is a party CD with a touch of smooth jazz funk flavor. Enjoy the journey. Remember it doesn’t matter what style of music is your flavor, it’s all about having fun, with a K of course. FUN-K! Now at CDBaby.

2014
03/25
CATEGORY
Funk
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Steve Oliver – World Citizen

Guitarist Steve Oliver is known by his incredible stage presence. This he owes his distinctive vocal talent and his penchant for improvisation. Distinctive is also his skill to use his Roland (Boss) GR-33 guitar synthesizer with his guitar.

First View (1999), Positive Energy (2002), 3D (2004), Radiant (2006), Snowfall (2006) the DVD/CD feature One Night Live (2008), Global Kiss (2010) and now World Citizen (2012). He enjoys his fans with regular publications on his own label SOM Entertainment.

On his new project Oliver is joined by Spyro Gyra members Tom Schuman and Bonny B, saxophonists Paul Taylor, Andrew Neu and Will Donato, bassists Eddie Reddick, Donald Philips, KT Tyler and Billy Sherwood (from the legendary band Yes) and Moody Blues keyboardist Alan Hewitt.

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2012
07/07
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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