“On For Years Gone, Steve Knight’s style, song choice, and witty arrangements continue to make him and his mates accessible to the casual jazz fan while exuding the chops that veteran fans can value.”
-Jeff Cebulski, Chicago Jazz Magazine
“Knight’s playing emphasizes melody and feel, drawing listeners in with thoughtful phrasing and expressive nuances. The recording captures the essence of a trio in sync, offering a rewarding listening experience shaped by heartfelt compositions and intuitive interplay.”
-D Glen Daniels, The Jazz Page
“For Years Gone highlights Knight’s melodic guitar work. He captivates through melody and groove, weaving compelling improvisations. One cannot help but appreciate the musicians’ finesse and the poetic hues that subtly emerge throughout the album.”
-Thierry de Clemensat, Paris Move
“Chicago based guitarist Steve Knight is releasing his sophomore album, For Years Gone (his CD release party is at the Jazz Showcase on April 14th), and it’s a charming collection. He’s smart to surround himself with two fantastic trio-mates in Justin Peterson (bass) and Linard Stroud (drums), he writes solid songs, and his choice in other folks’ material is interesting. Interesting? Yes. Plenty of people have played “Pure Imagination,” but who decided to weld it to Miles Davis’ “Jean Pierre?” Or, in the same vein, not too many people have the chutzpah to play Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” at such a brisk tempo, either. And, if you’re going to take on the work of Joni Mitchell, it sure is nice to hear a deeper cut like “Urge for Going.” Knight’s a solid writer as well, and his three originals on the album are impressive. The title track, “For Years Gone” is a beautiful and stark ballad. “Cracklin’” is a great, greasy waltz, and “Lure,” the album’s opener, eases you in before rocking with a guitar solo full of growls and grunts and tasty solos from Peterson and Stroud, too. These days, you can see Knight playing all over Chicago. I’d catch him soon. And I’d grab a copy of For Years Gone while I was at it.”
“Knight throws a wink to Roy Haynes on the alternately hypnotic and bustling Cracklin’ before spotlighting a lesser known Pat Martino gem (Colossus) with fast and furious energy that showcases his wild guitarisma. Also in Knight’s masterful sights is the Great American Songbook, represented by a peppy rumble through the Charlie Christian/Benny Goodman barnburner “7 Come 11” and a frolicsome, dizzying blast through Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” … a multiple mood swing masterpiece that seems like an ever-evolving, stylistically clever homage to important people.”
“…there was some serious jazz going on…Steve Knight and his bandmates (Evanston drummer Jeff Stitley and Chicago bassist Justin Peterson) lit up the space with top-notch improvisational music. Knight is an outstanding guitarist and a generous musician…”
“…Knight utilizes space, sweet chord voicings, and hip single-note work. A vibey production style helps Knight lean into hard bop and the George Benson/Grant Green playbook.”
-Oscar Jordan for Vintage Guitar
“An excellent first album that’s highly technical and delivered with grace and adventurousness, Knight and company put a charming spin on the covers, and the originals are quite impressive, too, as they embrace pop, funk, blues and R&B elements into the timeless formula.”
“…daring improvisations by good musicians, which results in beautiful listening music in which the three also challenge each other individually.”
“A strong, guitar led instrumental release. Solid.”
“The only unique thing about me is me – I’m the only one. The hard part, the part I’m still trying to live up to with integrity, is feeling like that’s enough.”
“Masterful contemporizing work, taking the pop tunes of today (or yesterday) and giving them new breath, new lungs. Knight sounds in complete control.”
Kevin Rabas, KC Jazz Ambassadors
“Knight’s guitar sounds crisp and clear… His compositions are pleasant pieces that leave a good taste in the mouth, and his style is technically impeccable.”
Jose Ramon, La Habitacion del Jazz
“Perfectly executed music… the title track “Persistence” is an extremely well thought-out composition in which it becomes clear that Knight is a gifted composer, which he perfectly proves in a relatively short period of time.”
“A stunning debut that calls to mind the influences of the guitarist’s heroes West Montgomery, Grant Green and George Benson. The foundational Benson vibe is most prominent on one of the collection’s hottest cookin’ jams “Chop Chop,” which true to its title captures fast paced lightning that keeps darting around before you can catch it in a bottle.”
“Engaging at every level: harmonic, melodic, rhythmic… this entire production works very well, whatever one's taste in guitar heroes might be. Knight maintains he does not practice his guitar. From time to time "I open the case and throw in a piece of red meat." If these are the results, get to a butcher shop, fast.”
-Richard Salvucci, All About Jazz
“It’s Steve Knight’s bright guitar lines that carry this debut album into the new-artist spotlight... an enjoyable listen with the persistent spotlight shining brightly on Steve Knight and his guitar.”
-Dee Dee McNeil, Music Memoirs
