Steve Turre: Still Searchin'

Gary Firstenberg

Concert/Festival Reviewer since 2003

Recent articles (8 total)

Published: August 21, 2006

AAJ: Tell me about some of the tunes. What is the flavor of the music?

ST: It's diverse—it merges traditional and modern sounds. It's very eclectic in styles. There is a confidence in the music, with rich, full textures, and it swings. "Sanyas" is an original composition I wrote long ago, and used to perform with Woody Shaw in the '70's. There is a straightforward blues called "Da' Blues," and it's straight from the heart. "Faded Beauty" is one of Stefon Harris' tunes, and it showcases the vibes. "Time Off" is a classic Curtis Fuller tune, done at a fast tempo. The title track, "Keep Searchin'" is also an original composition of mine. One of the more experimental tunes is "Reconciliation." It's a new harmony piece, twenty-one bars to the form. It's a song about the importance of working through your problems. "Thandiwa" is a song by Grachan Moncur III. I also do a tender version of "My Funny Valentine." I am very pleased with the overall sound of this recording.

AAJ: This is your thirteenth album as a leader. Is that a lucky number for you.?

ST: I'm not very conventional, so I suppose it is.

Selected Discography
Woody Shaw, Live Vol. 4, (High Note, 2005)
Steve Turre, The Spirits Up Above (HighNote, 2004)
Woody Shaw, Live Vol. 3, (High Note, 2002)
Woody Shaw, Live Vol. 2, (High Note, 2001)
Steve Turre, Rhythm Within (Verve, 1995)
Steve Turre, Viewpoint and Vibrations (Stash, 1987)
Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real (Warner Bros, 1977)
Woody Shaw, The Moontrane (Muse, 1974)