Patuxent CD-073 Steve Abshire - Come in from the Rain

Do you know what it's like m have something so very comfortable in your life, you never lire of it? I mean: The car you love? An old suit that fits! A beat-up pair of shoes? A sloppy old sweater! You probably never think of getting rid of them. They arc much too comfortable!

This is exactly the feeling that hit me when Steve and his friends played the first chorus of "Robbins' Nest". In fact, all the way to the end, all 12 tracks - it only gets better and better.

Webster's Dictionary defines music as the science or art of ordering tone or sound in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity. Therefore; a person who can do the above is said to be musical.

Be aware the four men on this CD are, indeed musical. Musicians of superb talent, capable of affecting your many moods. Want to smile? Laugh! Cry? Rejoice? Snap your fingers? Nod your head? Stomp your feet? Or just get down and dirty? Believe me, it's possible with this one collection of glorious music played by guitarist Steve Abshire, Trombonist John Jensen, Drummer Mike Shepherd, and Bassist Tommy Cecil.

Steve Abshire has a musical style distilled from years of influence and study with legendary jazz guitarists Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, and his long time friend Herb Ellis. Steve has appeared in concert with many jazz greats; among them Louie Bellson, Milt Hinton, Tal Farlow, Marian McPartland. Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis. He has accompanied legendary vocalists Della Reese, Rosemary Clooney, Etta Jones, Joe Williams and Diane Shuur. He also played twice at the Jazz in Marciac Festival In Marciac, France. In 1997, Steve retired from the U.S. Navy’s premier jazz ensemble Commodores, where he performed as a guitarist/featured soloist. Steve can be heard on many recordings including his debut solo project, Big Brass Bed Blues, which received 4 ½ stars by Downbeat Magazine. He is also heard on a CD headed up by John Jensen entitled Homecoming. John and Steve’s musical paths first crossed in the U.S. Navy band Commodores, where John was lead trombonist until he retired in 1996. As well as his Navy career, John was and continues to be active as a player and teacher in and around the Washington DC area. John has performed with such groups as the McCoy Tyner Big Band, Chaise Lounge, and Brooks Tegler’s Hot Jazz. Mike Shepherd is also a retired member of the U.S. Navy Band. Throughout his career, Mike has shared the stage with the likes of Louie Bellson , Mundell Lowe, and Tal Farlow. Mike toured with the Maynard Ferguson Big Band which performed at Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival. In the last two years, Mike has composed several song, including one played on this CD, “I’ll Be There.” Tommy Cecil moved to Washington D.C. in 1976 where he established himself as a free-lance jazz bassist, playing with such greats as Tommy Flanagan, Phil Woods, and Chet Baker, to name a few. Tommy has recorded with numerous well-known jazz musicians, and recently released his own project which includes his composition Samba for Felix.

Music affects each of us differently. So just put it on, keep an open mind. You’ll here something you love. What more could you ask for? Except maybe another CD from these same musicians... real soon. Enjoy!

Bill Mayhugh

Washington Broadcaster