Blue River - Reviews
Blue River is a lovely collection of introspective compositions. Steve' touch is supported with sensitivity by Bruce Dunlap on guitar, Paul Socolow on bass and Ricky Sebastion on drums - and are really enhanced by Herbie Mann's flutes. This is listening music so settle down, relax and enjoy it. I did!
Dr. Billy Taylor
"An impressive example of subtlety is acoustic pianist Steve Barta, whose reflective, often Brazilian-influenced Blue River makes it abundantly clear that pretty doesn't have to mean wimpy."
Jazziz
"Steve's sensitivity shines through "Blue River" and his penchant for turning emotion to music within the world of Brazilian Jazz is inspiring"
Brazilian Music Review
"Barta works a melodic landscape located somewhere between the hills of Windham and the beach at Ipanema. His original compositions are accessible and attractive and his piano solos recall Bill Evans in his economical choice of notes"
Jim Newsom AMG Music Guide
"He writes genuine melodies that linger in your mind long after the recording has ended"
Neil Rudish 52nd Street Jazz
"This marvelous recording Blue River is positively addicting! Barta is an extremely refined and tasty piano player"
New Age Retailer
"Definite mood music...the compositions are mellow, up-tempo, breezy, and to be enjoyed like a fine wine."
Seattle New Times
"Blue River is a great original album and a must for those lazy hazy days when you just want to be"
Inner Self Magazine
"Comprised of ten Barta originals, Blue River exists in shades of Bossa Nova. Never does it become a rehash or poor imitation of Jobim. Barta is a careful technician, his care being most manifested in his intricate lace of composition. His songs are well crafted and have the soft texture of silk warmed by a wood fire. The total of this disc is the concept of inspiration and how different inspirations reveal themselves through composition and performance. Barta's performance, as well as that of Mann, is precise and understated, even during the more technical pieces. There is no excess here, only the correct notes are played.
Taken in total, Blue River is a light Bossa tone poem, a perfect mood piece providing just enough spice to be intriguing and enough softness to soothe"
~ C. Michael Bailey
Where lies the piano's soul? Within the instrument or the musician? Steve Barta's unique style clearly answers that question with his new Blue River CD.
High in the Colorado Rockies, Steve Barta has quietly crafted a masterpiece of Brazilian jazz, drawing from an impressive talent pool (guitarist Ricardo Silveira, percussion master Michael Shapiro and flutist/co-producer Herbie Mann) to bring his songs to life.
Blue River's ten originals share Barta's creative signature: A strong melodic piano line that encourages supportive interplay among his musicians. This empathy echoes Barta's compositional skills, which have led the writers at Jazziz to exclaim that the songs are "An impressive example of subtlety, whose reflective (style) makes it abundantly clear that pretty doesn't have to mean wimpy."
Each song carries its own inspiration for a "mind's eye" visualization. Artist Georgia O'Keefe for the softly spoken Bossa "Wish Upon A Canvas", or the plaintive beauty of a Dori Caymmi ballad for "Like An Old Piano." Or Barta's own reflections of Breckenridge, Colorado for the title track, which proves beyond a doubt that music like this can help you find the spirit of Brazil just about anywhere.
Steve Barta's sensitivity shines through on Blue River, and his penchant for turning emotion to music within the world of Brazilian jazz is inspired, making this album a special addition to your collection.
The Brazilian Music Review from www.ConnectBrazil.com
Whilst browsing through the 'Hor Bar' (Listening Post to the rest of you) in a record store in Stuttgart where I spent many years in the entertainment business, I could hear this piano playing in a set of headphones. Someone had just walked off leaving this album playing on Track 1.This heavenly piano had obviously not impressed my German fellow customer but as I pressed the button to transmit more of this heavenly sound I realized that this guy was special.
Lifting the CD cover confirmed my curiosity by informing me that this set had been co-produced by Steve and by renowned flautist Herbie Mann who together with Rio's own Ricardo Silveira played on this new found gem. Steve Barta's piano is as clear and uncluttered as a mountain air and is equally complimented by the acoustic guitar of Silveira.
Herbie Mann is featured throughout with his velvet flute particularly on 'In another life', 'Carinho' and 'Like an old piano' Herbie also takes the lead on a number of tracks like 'The high road' with Steve vamping handfuls of chords to a mid- tempo bossa beat.The album has quite a classical feel to it in parts with solo piano by Steve on the haunting 'Like an old piano' yet most of the album expresses and explores the craft of acoustic piano at its best.Steve Barta was a new name to me but yet the album felt like an old friend. I admit that it did take me a few listens in a silent corner to appreciate completely the fine playing of the musicians. Silveira's guitar on 'Rossport' is truly stunning. ( I swear the man plays faster than my old hero of the acoustic guitar Earl Klugh)
An interesting section of liner notes sees Steve mention his inspiration for each track and it is clear that he is a deep minded person who has taken his time to create this masterpiece. It reads like the 'circle of life' and how he was inspired by children of war, life's choices, his own habitat in the Blue River (which isn't surprising as the music is also breathtaking) and the journey ahead.Who knows what lies in store for us but I can assure you that this album has a lifetime of golden treasures awaiting you. The soft melodies and warmth will encourage to be at peace with yourself, just like staring across the mountains on a sunlit, winter day when all that can be heard is the sound of running water and the odd bird awaking to a new dawning.
Review by Wes Gillespie, music critic for All That Jazz, The Brazilian Music Review, and Sony Jazz
Rating - 10 out of 10