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John Stein: Watershed

By Edward Blanco
May 17, 2020
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Jazz guitarist John Stein has produced many recordings throughout his career. Watershed is his fifteenth album and a special one at that, marking his retirement from academics and the beginning of a new chapter in his life. A former professor at Berklee College of Music (his alma mater), Stein is now fully engaged in producing the deep grooves and rhythm-based and breezy-styled melodies that make this album such a wonder to listen to, repeatedly.

Recorded while on tour in Brazil, Stein assembled a world-class group of Sao Paulo-based musicians including bassist Frank Herzberg, drummer

Ze Eduardo Nazario

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Ze Eduardo Nazario, keyboardist

Daniel Grajew

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Daniel Grajew and reed man

Teco Cardoso

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Teco Cardoso—who together make the music of Watershed a "magical achievement."

The particulars of this recording make the Brazilian influence obvious, as the light and delicate opener "Rio Escuro" reveals, though less prominent on the perky and aggressive "Kobe," where the drummer and guitarist push and pull throughout the tune. The two opening pieces are among seven Stein originals, though he also includes several standards including the Ric Marlow composition "Taste of Honey," featuring a delicious Stein arrangement.

The soft spot of the album goes to "Mystified," finding Nazario on the brushes, Grajew on light keys and the leader plucking the strings with warmth. "Wally," however, is just the opposite, showcasing the entire band on a playful and frisky moment. Saxophonist Cardoso comes to the fore playing the alto on

Joe Henderson

saxophone
1937 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Henderson's "The Kicker," while the leader delivers a new rendition of guitar great

Jim Hall

guitar
1930 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Hall's "Waltz New."

A truly tender highlight and keeper of this set belongs to Stein's interpretation of the

Henry Mancini

composer / conductor
1924 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Henry Mancini classic "Dreamsville," as the music begins to wind down revealing a few more precious encounters to enjoy such as "Charlotte," "Cisco," before closing on the boisterous and explosive "The Hang."

Clearly a Watershed moment for John Stein who crafts one of the most compelling recordings on the jazz landscape today. Complete with musicianship, talent and noteworthy on many fronts, this is one album that is enjoyable from beginning to end.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Rio Escuro; Kobe; Taste of Honey; Brazilian Hug; Mystified; Wally; The Kicker; Waltz New; Cisco; Dreamsville; Charlotte; The Hang.

Personnel

John Stein

guitar

Ze Eduardo Nazario

drums

Frank Herzberg

bass, acoustic

Daniel Grajew

piano

Teco Cardoso

saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: Watershed | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Whaling City Sound

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