Liner Notes by Herbie Mann

Meeting Steve Barta was a serendipitous experience. I was hired to play a benefit gig in Colorado Springs and Steve and his group were one of the four bands on the program. I hear a lot of different music on the road but I find that most players unfortunately fall into the trap of imitating the current trends.

However, there was something about Steve's music that caught my attention - it was very melodic, lyrical and most importantly, there was something original about his compositions.

After listening to Blue River many times now, it strikes me that the originality I hear in Steve's music might, in part, be a result of his living in the country. Most professional musicians live in urban environments for obvious reasons. Steve has chosen the more difficult path for a performer by living in the Colorado Rockies - there aren't a lot of available gigs in the mountains. However, the "spirit" of that rural environment seems to emanate from his compositions and creates a feeling that is different from what I hear in other "contemporary Jazz" - something more substantial, more vital and visual.

Another aspect to the originality I hear is Steve's incorporation of Brazilian feeling into his work. This might sound silly, but it's kind of like "Brazilian Mountain High", or, light feijoada, or a curious blend of Aaron Copland and Antonio Carlos Jobim. I think Blue River is special. I hope you'll enjoy it!
- Herbie Mann