No matter how far away his musical kernel might be considered by the
geographical standpoint. Lastly, the internet of things represents a
fusion of the physical and digital, the real and virtual worlds. If an
historical constant is to be defined in the relationship between Russia
and the West, then it is the central role that the West, in all its many
musical forms, plays in Russian view. Moscow based
multi-instrumentalist Valeriy Stepanov is going West. With New
Beginnings (2017) Stepanov installs a shining beacon of smooth jazz, a
statement of creative presence. Valeriy Stepanov performs on this album
piano, Rhodes, Clavinet, organ, synth bass, drums, lead & background
vocals, Doumbek, Pimak, claps, keyboards, programming & editing. He
is joined on selected tracks by Vsevolod Guzov (cello & djembe),
U-Nam (guitar), Marion Meadows (soprano sax), Albert Stepanov (bass and
violin), Andrey Chmut (soprano sax, alto sax) and Borisbob Akhmetov
(guitar). What is a better starting idea than to infect people with
your good mood? Valeriy takes it serious and offers with Happy People a
fine bouquet of sparkling musical ideas to ease into your spring
morning. This skillful effortlessness in the style of Brian Culbertson
also plays a key role on Tonight featuring guitar hero U-Nam, who
reinforces a groove attack that is cutting edge. Walk in the Park
catches and radiates the atmosphere, the light and mood in a wonderful
bustling piano execution. Andrey Chmut continues the joyous ride on
soprano sax pushing the harmonic envelope to the next level. On Twilight
Sky Valeriy reveals more of his expressive technical proficiency full
of rare energy. Another approach, more romance! Look at the Stars with
soprano saxophonist Marion Meadows and be enchanted. Alto sax player
Andrey Chmut is more sassy on No Doubt Now and guitarist Borisbob
Akhmetov is responding to the melodic flow. Snowbreeze is for all
friends of the great L.A. synth sounds and crystal clear piano play.
While Heartburn revives the groovy attitude of funkateers such as the
GAP Band or Bootsy Collins. In Common hits the musical sweet spot of
all romantics and those in love. When you see a butterfly in its flight,
you discover the unexpected, the fluttering. Butterfly is the sonic
equivalent with a strong musical character. With Half Moon Stepanov
reinvents the word synth fusion. Powerful, fresh, genuine. The album
contains two edit versions of Happy People and Tonight. Final tune and
bonus track is the title Lyn. The original was created by the jazz bass
maestro Abraham Laboriel Sr. as a tribute to his wife. The striking
ardent love finds a righteous reincarnation in Stepanov's
interpretation. Away from ordinary musical routine Valeriy Stepanov has
created with New Beginnings a unique treasure of sonic vitality and
diversity. A dark horse candidate for the best album of the year. --HBH
-Smoothjazz.de
