The follow-up to Steve Oliver's award-nominated debut album, "Positive Energy" takes a cue from Steve's enlightening and energetic persona with exciting Smooth Jazz and Instrumental Pop nuggets that feature Steve's unique ... more »style of vocalese and guitar work. Steve's blend of acoustic guitar in the style of Peter White fuses with his one-of-a-kind vocal sounds and scats to create a truly memorable experience. On "Positive Energy," Steve delves deeper into his passions for Latin and R&B music, and incorporates his trademark and crowd-pleasing wordless vocals into each of the 12 original tracks. Together, with Steve's dynamic band and a great cast of special guests, including Spyro Gyra keyboardist and co-founder Tom Schuman, bass phenom Brian Bromberg, saxophonist and labelmate Jeff Kashiwa, and saxophonist Brandon Fields, the elements are in line truly to create his best work yet. His 1999 debut "First View" was nominated for an AFIM (Association For Independent Music) Indie Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Recording. The album earned Steve the distinction of "Debut Artist of the Year" from Smooth Jazz News.« less
The follow-up to Steve Oliver's award-nominated debut album, "Positive Energy" takes a cue from Steve's enlightening and energetic persona with exciting Smooth Jazz and Instrumental Pop nuggets that feature Steve's unique style of vocalese and guitar work. Steve's blend of acoustic guitar in the style of Peter White fuses with his one-of-a-kind vocal sounds and scats to create a truly memorable experience. On "Positive Energy," Steve delves deeper into his passions for Latin and R&B music, and incorporates his trademark and crowd-pleasing wordless vocals into each of the 12 original tracks. Together, with Steve's dynamic band and a great cast of special guests, including Spyro Gyra keyboardist and co-founder Tom Schuman, bass phenom Brian Bromberg, saxophonist and labelmate Jeff Kashiwa, and saxophonist Brandon Fields, the elements are in line truly to create his best work yet. His 1999 debut "First View" was nominated for an AFIM (Association For Independent Music) Indie Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Recording. The album earned Steve the distinction of "Debut Artist of the Year" from Smooth Jazz News.
highflyingadore | Washington, DC (area) | 03/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Wow, wow, wow!!
R. Jackson | Clinton, MD United States | 09/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
Fuel with Positive Energy and Optimism ......
Lim Ti Leong | Singapore | 10/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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 !"
A Star is Rising
George Weigel | Mechanicsburg, PA USA | 07/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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?"