Every nook and cranny of the Earl Brent/Matt Dennis tune 'Angel Eyes' is explored during a ten-minute workout, which has a soulful Barlow sax solo with Brien comping underneath. On Jimmy Heath's 'C.T.A.,' Brien embarks on a long solo where he effectively ad libs, but never moves far from his low-key, thinking man's approach to the guitar. Both provide a framework for Brien to work with his clean-cut, relaxed guitar. Barlow's tenor has more of a bite to it than Lalama's, but their ideas about the music coincide in a no-nonsense, let's-not-lose-sight-of-the-melody manner. Nothing gets too excitable here, as both groups recall Blue Note sessions of the '60s with the likes of Hank Mobley, Ike Quebec, and Grant Green. Regardless of which group is playing, this album is laid-back, straight-ahead bop-influenced jazz. One features a fellow Aussie, tenor saxman Dale Barlow, and the other hard bop tenor Ralph Lalama and trombonist Dave Panichi. This album compiles two New York recording sessions from 19. This album compiles two New York recording sessions from 1994. Brien subsequently returned to his native land to teach jazz guitar and play gigs. the playing is consistently professional.' The Mercury said, 'A mainstream outing that’s equal to the best being done these days.'ĬTA ( Chicago Transit Authority) - Tin Tin Deo - Angel Eyes - Token Entry - Lenore - You Stepped Out Of A Dream - BlueishĪustralian guitarist Steve Brien spent most of the '90s living in The US, working with such artists as Giacomo Gates, and Ralph Lalama. Rolling Stone said, 'Token Entry is firmly positioned within the bebop tradition. Personnel include Dale Barlow, Allen Simon, Joel Forbes, Tom Bailey, Ralph La Lama, Dave Panichi and Mark Templeton.

This CD is Steve’s first CD and was recorded in New York with some of that city’s finest and a couple of expat Aussies. Steve Brien is described by James Morrison as 'a jazz guitarist second to none'. CD REVIEWS/ SALES / TRANSCRIPTION SALES

Peter bernstein transcriptions