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But what was to come was a shift in philosophy perhaps, and a risky one some might say. Khan began playing out of a trio format with the wonderfully talented Anthony Jackson on 6-string electric bass, and drummer Steve Jordan. He then used other bass/drum combinations, added various top-notch percussionists, but remained the sole source of chordal work and melody with his unique, sparse style of guitar playing.

The CD Crossings is an excellent example of how that format worked at it's best. A smokin' recording throughout with Dennis Chambers and Anthony Jackson flowing and grooving freely amidst the spacy architecture that is Steve Khan. Add some fabulous percussion work from Manolo Badrena (remember Heavy Weather?) and the result is a CD for the ages. It's beautiful.

A year or so before Crossings Khan released Headline, which gets a "Best of Genre" rating from AMG. Six of the nine tracks on this recording use the trio Khan, Ron Carter (bass), and Al Foster (drums), with the other 3 tracks going with the Crossings band. I personally prefer the latter, but each lineup is talented enough to create on the fly according to the whims of Steve Khan's playing. The result is jazz that's easy to listen to, and cutting edge at the same time.

Finally he comes out with the CD Got My Mental, which continues to pursue the wide open trio format, using this time John Patitucci on bass and my man Jack DeJohnette, the living legend. These guys gel. I've always heard how good Patitucci was, but hadn't really heard it yet, until this. His work on this recording is on par with Scott LaFaro, so mellow, so full of life. And the chemistry is really there between Jack and John.

Guess what! I have the chance to interview Steve Khan for a piece I'm working on for The Mining Company. Also later this week (around 3/24/98) I'll post a full review of Got My Mental plus sound clips, and the following week I'll post the interview, all at The Mining Company. Please drop by and post a question for him on my MJ Bulletin Board and hopefully I'll include your question in my interview.

Blaine Fallis, Modern Jazz Guide at:

For more info and a complete discography of Steve Khan, see Music Boulevard's Khan listing.