by S. Victor Aaron
It could be argued that Houston, Texas is one of the major gestation points for smooth jazz sax stars. Ronnie Laws and Kirk Whalum came from what Laws calls the Bayou City of the Future. Also, let’s not forget that Wilton Felder, Joe Sample and the rest of the Crusaders gang hail from that town, too. So, which Houstonian is next in line to make their mark in the velvety, r&b side of jazz?
Stephen Richard just might be that guy.
Last April, Richard released just his second album, Bread ‘N Water-Vol. 1, and on this record, the soprano and alto sax player sometimes makes you swear that Grover Washington, Jr. has come back from the dead. He really does have Grover’s sweet, funky dialect down, and even more so than on his debut album from a couple of years ago Because Of You. However, there’s more to Richard’s sound on this record that sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Richard made this record, in his own words, “without all the extra sides and additives,” in trying to capture in the studio the feel of his relaxed, Sunday evening shows with just his keyboardist and percussion accompanying him. Sure, the keyboards are electric piano with synth washes, but here, they are pushed way back in the mix. The drums are mostly non-existent, with the congas being the percussion of choice more often than not. Although not credited, it sure sounds like there’s an acoustic bass in there—a well-disguised synth bass, perhaps? The improvisations undertaken by Richard and sometimes trumpeter Andre Hutchins go on for as long as they are feeling it. In some ways, that comes off more like straight jazz to me than smooth jazz.
The songs, aside from a couple of covers, are really extended groove vamps, with some slight variations tossed in here and there. These seven-eight minute songs ride these warm grooves until just before they’re exhausted, but not any longer.
“Ambience,” the first cut from Bread ‘N Water-Vol. 1, is a fine feature of this formula. Using a five chord riff with some subtle change-ups on the theme, keyboard player Mark Copeland and percussionist Robert Smalls set a soft, slow vibe while Richard (on soprano) and Hutchins (muted trumpet) make soulful ruminations all the way to the coda ending at 7:55. The song doesn’t even feel that long, because it unfolds naturally, like one would expect it would in a live setting.
Stephen Richard was merely breaking smooth jazz down to the basics and stretching it out, but in doing so, he came up with a straight jazz/smooth jazz hybrid that jazz lovers who don’t care much for smooth jazz can not only live with but can even dig without any of the guilt. Hey, Richard may have stumbled upon something worth pursuing further. If an upcoming Vol. 2 gives us more of these organic grooves, that would suit me just fine.
Visit Stephen Richard’s website here.
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I think Bread 'N Water is ground breaking. It combines smooth and straight jazz mixed into one. Has Stephen Richard introduced us to something new in the music world? He brings 'Take 5" into the 21st century, he does things with it I've never heard or imagined before. He's an amazing musician, composer and arranger. He wrote and composed six of the eight tracks and the cover tunes he pleasingly rearranged. Every track on this cd is mature, warm and requests your presence then makes you glad you're there. There's not an "ok" track on this album. They're all outstanding and that's very unusual to find except on a compilation cd. this cd is on the top shelf in my collection. Give us more Stephen !!
i totally agree that Stephen Richard plays the sax like nobody's business! i saw him in concert in Houston and my friends saw him in Baton Rouge, LA and we all think he is fantastic. His take on "Take Five" the jazz classic is unique and bold. I mean the idea that anyone would even mess with that song! And yet Stephen brings it to this generation with class and style. He is a musical force to be reckoned with in jazz.
Good comments, thanks guys.
I agree with you Pico. Stephen Richard has presented a new style to the jazz community. Authentic, genuine, indubitable. The distinctive way he playes is rich and very pleasing in color and tone. A blend of straight and smooth, very nice Stephen. Without question, you've done something special.
Bread 'N Water Volume 1 is absolutely GREAT it's hard to pick a favorite song, what an amazing artist Mr. Richard is. The arrangements are so different from what I am use to hearing in the jazz world, the sound is so new and refreshing. Looking forward to hearding more from Stephen Richard. And thank you for what you are doing with JAZZ!!! Stephen Richard, that's a name to remember.
Pico you are correct, if you are a lover of jazz and are looking for the artist that will have your fingers poppin and ears lingering for the sounds of his alto, soprano and tenor sax then you must check out Stephen Richard's new CD's Bread N' Water & Circa 79. These CD's incorporate all the right ingredients that present a sound of smooth, velvety, rich, r&b, funk, and like your said Pico "organic" sounds that are relaxing and pleasing to the ear. If Stephen is in your area ck. him out…he plays that sax like nobody's business! Can't wait to hear more from Stephen.