Parting Shot is the latest Tone Center release from acclaimed jazz guitarist Steve Khan. He's assembled an all-star cast of musicians here on this enjoyable 'latin jazz' affair, including bassist Anthony Jackson, drummer Dennis Chambers, and percussionists Manolo Badrena, Marc Quinones, and Bobby Allende. Khan, Chambers, Jackson, and Badrena all played together years ago in Eyewitness, but this is the first time the four have recorded together in nearly 20 years. Parting Shot is chock full of tasty, swinging, melodic Latin jazz, rich on drums & percussion and Khan's sweet guitar tone.
Steve's been an integral part of the jazz & jazz-fusion scene for so long that sometimes we tend to take for granted just how good a player and songwriter he really is. On Parting Shot he mixes in some fine originals with a few classics by Thelonius Monk & Ornette Coleman. "Change Agent" is one of those hot originals, and features Khan ripping some sizzling leads over Jackson's deep contrabass and plenty of rhythmic grooves from the percussion team. Monk's "Bye-Ya" will certainly get you up on your feet due to its addicting rhythms, and the Khan/Madrena original "Maria Mulambo" is another groover with tasty licks and Manolo's Spanish vocals. Chambers really struts his stuff on the Coleman classic "Blues Connotation", alongside some quirky & complex guitar lines from Khan, and the guitarist goes for a more West Coast, Larry Carlton feel on the laid back "Zancudoville".
All in all, Parting Shot is another winner from the always dependable Steve Khan. Long time fans of the guitarist, and the genre in general, will be pleased with the results here, and as a band effort, these musicians have hit a home run with this one.
Track Listing
1. Chronology
2. Los Gaiteros
3. Change Agent (El Catalizador)
4. Bye-ya
5. María Mulambo
6. Influence Peddler (Traficante de Influencias)
7. When She s Not Here (Cuando Ella no Está)
8. Blues Connotation
9. Zancudoville
10. Just Deserts
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