Customer Reviews

First View

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although my words may be redundant of others who have reviewed this CD, I find this artist and his style of playing awesome! This is a musician who not only plays great guitar and writes his own music, but he also has a beautiful voice and his own unique scat-style of singing. The song, "I Know" is probably one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard - actually choked me up the 1st time I heard it. A must-have for those who love the format of contemporary jazz.

It's true that sometimes a lot of smooth-jazz players get into a format and all start to sound alike. If you like the format (which I do), it's not that big a deal because nothing is going to sound all that bad. But if you haven't heard Steve Oliver, you really should give this album and his second effort, "Positive Energy," a try. He's not only a tremendously talented guitar player, but his singing style is fresh... kind of a blend of R&B, Latin love singer, scat and Al Jarreau. I'm really shocked that anyone who likes jazz or smooth jazz would not rate this a 5-star. Even my wife and teen daughter really liked this effort, which crosses over into two other distinctly different musical tastes. It's rare that any artist sounds great to three different people with three different music tastes. I don't buy a ton of music, but I'll be buying every album Steve Oliver does. In fact, that's why I'm even online writing this... I was checking to see if he's come out with a third album yet.

Steve Oliver's debut CD "First View" is one of the best jazz CD's of 1999. Already becoming a staple on Smooth Jazz stations all over California, Oliver's mix of upbeat guitar picking, pop schemes and scatting, is sure to tempt the ears of anyone looking to combine Marc Antoine or Peter White with Al Jarreau. Pop, Jazz, Funk, Soul....it's all represented here. Highlights on the disc include the fun "Midnight at the Oasis", the ocean-drive inspired "Highway One", and the catchy "West End". Former Bamboo Forest guitarist Steve Oliver is out front where he belongs! Keep your eye on him.

This is the perfect CD for this time of year..it sounds like morning sunlight. Coincidentally one of the catchiest tracks is called "Sunrise Celebration". As a writer, Steve Oliver delivers irresistable hooks that will leave you wanting more, as a guitarist he's got chops that he showcases here without ever sacrificing the song to a technical flash-out. At a time when some Contemporary Jazz CDs are starting to sound like one long song this one delivers a variety of modos and tempos, and they all flow together seamlessly. This was my favorite relase from 1999 and has been living on my CD player as we head outdoors to the garden and the beach.

Having seen Steve in concert a few times with Bamboo Forest, I could only hope that his first solo CD would be as exciting as his live performances. Well, my hope has been exceeded. This is the best smooth jazz cd in my collection of over 800 jazz CDs. The only minor quibble that I could have is that Steve doesn't outrightly sing except for a single song. He's too good a singer (and yes, his vocal stylings are incredible) to sing only one song.

First heard this artist on the cable music jazz channel and had to turn up the volume! The song "west end" is especially good - features sax player Jeff Kashiwa who is fantastic! This CD is on my list now!

In a word...awesome! I have seen Steve live in a number of venues throughout the Bay Area over the last 4yrs. Based on how great he sounds live, I was preparing myself for a let down when his CD came out. But when I heard "First View" for the first time, I was in awe. Steve's first CD (already waiting for his next one) is beautiful and fresh. Steve has the rare combination of being technically sound and having the imagination and forsight to create something unique and inspiring. This makes his music great for listening during a formal dinner or even cranked up for an outside barbeque party. The only thing stopping this CD from being an all-time great is time.

Sounds: Horns, Strings, Percussion, Woodwinds and last but the most creative....the vocal stylings

Just got this from my wife for Christmas, it's such a good CD!! What Steve Oliver does is so unique and breathtaking, there's no one out there doing what he does. Any more CDs coming, because I'm dying for more already!! Keep it up!!

This cd as well as his new one is unbelieveable! It is music that you can surf the web with or clean house to. He has such energy in both items that transfers to the listener!