For Years Gone
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The revered guitarist Steve Knight is in the company of Justin Peterson and Linard Stroud for these 10 jazz tracks of standards and originals.
The lively energy of “Lure” gets started with Stroud’s frisky drumming that suits Knight’s spirited guitar, and “Pure Imagination” follows with mesmerizing guitar and Peterson’s playful bass lines that make for intrigue and a bit of mystery.
“For Years Gone” and “Kothbiro” occupy the middle spots. The former tugs on the heartstrings thanks to the dreamy guitar tone, while the latter pairs the ambient drums with low bass and the hypnotic guitar prowess.
Close to the end, “7 Come 11” builds into an animated album highlight where the trio showcase their inimitable talents, and “In A Sentimental Mood” exits with a dance floor ready mood that’s bouncy, and infectious.
Knight’s debut in 2022 turned plenty of ears his way, and this excellent follow up will do the same thanks to the timeless jazz fun.
Travels well with: Russ Spiegel- Nitty Gritty; Zhengtao Pan Jazz Orchestra- Scenery In My Story