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Jason Steele Ensemble:
"Guitarist Jason Steele takes only one solo on his debut album. It’s gentle, minimalist, sneaks in quietly and is gone in a flash. That says a lot about his collectivist approach, which emphasizes the organic, shifting sound of his octet as it spirals through a series of brooding, cinematic themes. Cornetist Ron Miles gets the spotlight on most tracks: He and saxophonist Josh Sclar offer introspective solos but also take things outside in some surprisingly abstract breaks." -Forrest Dylan Bryant (Jazz Times, Sept. 07)
"Jason's compositions are evocative and hypnotic, lulling the listener into another world." -Nanette Sawyer (Acme Art Works)
"The Jason Steele Ensemble has a very unique approach to their art. Their work is both morose and moving at the same time. They are easily able to float from pop and indie rock influences straight into avant-garde and fusion jazz without skipping a beat." -Tristan Smith (Jazz Ambassadors Magazine)
3 1/2 STARS "Chicago guitarist Jason Steele has produced a standout session. Steele writes languid whole-note melodies with room to maneuver, but the ensemble never takes things too far afield. This is deliberate, studied music, perhaps a bit too much so; you yearn for the players to cut loose. Only "Proceed To Numb" stokes the fire a bit, and it never fully ignites. Mostly, Steele leads his brass-heavy group at a measured pace,with Ron Miles featured heavily-his clear, piercing cornet lines dominate the selections to the degree that you might easily mistake this for his session. Thad Franklin also scores some rarified flugelhorn and trumpet leads, and Josh Sclar and Tim Sullivan step forward with powerful statements. If the rhythm section doesn't jump out, it's because the slow tempos keep their contributions muted. Beauty is valued over intensity. The group seems in telepathic lockstep. The melancholy, haunting album is anchored by the 12-minute slow vamp "No Words" and the recurring theme "i." Only on the latter does Steele emerge out of the shadows. Otherwise, he lets his compositions and band mates do the talking. Such rare selflessness is one of many reasons to admire this subtle debut." -Jeff McCord (Downbeat Magazine) November 2007
Look for "Some Wonderful Moment" in the Indie Spotlight (DownBeat, Sept. 07)
Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jason received his B.M. in Jazz Composition from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Prior to arriving in Chicago, he attended Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. During this time, Jason was selected as the guitar player for the International Association of Jazz Educators' All-Star Community College Big Band and performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival as well as the New Orleans, Reno, and Witchita Jazz Fests.
::: audio samples ::: "i" ::: No Words :::
Discography: Some Wonderful Moment (ee:o7-001)