Customer Reviews

Positive Energy (Remastered Edition with Bonus Track)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Do you like contemporary jazz guitar? Do you love it? Then you'll positively love this CD. One of the best contemporary jazz guitar featured CD's I've heard all year. And, if you're like me and you check out the liner notes, you'll see that Steve O has some very talented players backing him up:Will Donato, Steve Reid, Jeff Kashiwa, Dave Kochanski, Tony Guerrero, Brandon Fields, and Tom Schuman. Most of the tracks are uptempo, including the radio cut "High Noon", the title track "Positive Energy", and the Tom Schuman featured "Festivo". The slower tracks are smooth and mellow, ("Horizon" and "Ocean Blue") without having the snooze factor found in most smooth jazz radio friendly songs. Add this CD to your collection. You can thank me later.

Never heard Steve's first CD, but if it's anything like this latest, I'll be RUNNING, not walking, to buy it! Funky, jazzy, with a taste of sweet Latin rhythms and melodies, he's got it all! And the guy can PLAY!

I had not heard of Steve Oliver's first album, but I would recommend it to everyone ! These high energy guitaristic tracks are therapeutically composed and arranged (blessed) with energy and optimism as well tuned to perfection ....such great tracks as 'Right Direction', 'Ocean Blue', 'High Noon' , 'Positive Energy' , Mr Hipster etc.. etc...and other great vocals 'Show You Love' and 'Come On Home'... are too brilliant to enjoy !

I had never heard of Steve Oliver before he came to Harrisburg, Pa., as part of a musicfest along the river. Within minutes of listening, I was hooked. What a fresh sound! It's smooth jazz with a Latin twist, a little funk, a hint of George Benson, a dose of Al Jarreau-like instrument impersonation, some old-jazz scatting and some beautiful sounds that I can't even label. Steve's voice has tremendous range and versatility. His guitar-playing is beyond a talent -- it's a gift. I've never heard quite the sound and style he's come up with.
Needless to say, I immediately ordered Steve's second album, "Positive Energy," and it is fantastic -- one of the best collections I've heard in years. There's not a weak cut out of 12. I can't think of any other album I can say that about. The title cut is great, but I dare anyone to listen to "Show You Love" without tapping his/her feet.
If this young fellow doesn't become a star, it'll be hard to believe. I'm going to do my part by ordering his first album, "First View," right now and watching for everything new he comes out with. I should also mention that I got to briefly talk to Steve after his hard-working Harrisburg performance and found him to be kind and humble. Can you tell I'm sold?

This CD is the perfect follow-up to First View. The Latin beat really comes out strong. The Scat lyrics are excellent. Songs are memorable, just like the first album. Can't wait for the third CD!!

I highly recommend this album to everybody - it's very uplifting, funky and smooth.... love the vocal tracks too. It's worth buying, you will love ALL the tracks in the CD.

Another great CD from Steve Oliver. When it comes to Jazz Guitar Steve Oliver is one of the very best. Can't go wrong with this CD.

I've been a lover jazz guitar. Among the artist I like are Earl Klugh, George, Norman Brown, Chielli Minucci, etc. Somehow I missed this terrific guy who belongs to the same pedestal as those guys I mentioned. Heard him on the radio once playing a real funky, danceable tune (which took me a while to figure who he is and the title of the song because the DJ on the jazz radio station didnt mention anything). I later found out it is Steve Oliver playing "High Noon". I was hooked! Went to the nearest store but failed to find it. Had to order it online. Enjoying every bit listening to this fantastic artist. One of a kind!

This was one o his first CD's. I looked for along time for it and found it through caimanCD. They always deliver and so does this CD.

This is great for my long drive into work. No more "road rage" A very soothing listen.