Vinyl Vault—Steve Khan, “The Blue Man”

Next time on the Vinyl Vault, we’ll hear a late 70s fusion classic, guitarist Steve Khan’s “The Blue Man.” Released in 1978 on Columbia records, the album captures the best of New York City’s fusion scene of that era.

The album was Khan’s second solo album in a career that has spanned over 40 years so far. The compositions were all Khan originals save one penned by trumpeter Randy Brecker. About half the tunes feature the Brecker Brothers side by side with David Sanborn who throw down some snappy ensemble playing as well as scorching solos and some tasty lick trading with the leader of the session.

Besides the top flight horn section, Khan assembled a crack rhythm section of Will Lee on bass, Steve Gadd on drums, Don Grolnick on piano and Steve Mironov on second guitar. The players tear into the high octane charts with a joyful exuberance that is undeniable.

And don’t forget to check out the album cover featuring very cool artwork by Jean Michel Folon.

Khan points to the band Weather Report as a big influence on him at the time. The interesting thing about that is that Weather Report didn’t have a guitarist. Check out how Khan made that work on the Vinyl Vault, this Tuesday, April 20,  at 8:30 pm on KUVO JAZZ.

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