For
Steve Khan's first solo release in nearly ten years, 2006's
The Green Field, the guitarist assembled quite a supporting cast. Once more,
Khan has called upon his old pals
John Patitucci on bass and
Jack DeJohnette on drums, with percussionist
Manolo Badrena rounding out the cast. Despite the layoff between solo releases, it's not to say that
Khan wasn't busy since his previous solo effort, 1998's You Are Here -- the guitarist toured as part of
Dave Samuels' tour in support of
Tjader-ized: A Cal Tjader Tribute -- appeared on
Dave Valentin's
Sunshower, and also re-formed
the Caribbean Jazz Project. For fans waiting patiently for
Khan's next solo outing,
The Green Field proves that the wait was certainly worth it, as
Khan's trademark fluid guitar playing is on display throughout. Instead of focusing on succinct songs, the majority of the album's nine tracks are of the extended variety, which makes the album a fine mood setter -- especially the album opening "El Viñón" and the salsa sounds of "Cosecha lo Que Has Sembrado." Also of note is the all-encompassing, nearly 20-minute long album closing title track.
Steve Khan's
The Green Field is highly recommended to fans of expertly played latin tinged progressive jazz. ~ Greg Prato