Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Playing sideman to Rick Braun, Larry Carlton, Gato Barbieri, the Neville Brothers, and many others introduced guitarist/vocalist Steve Oliver to smooth jazz fans, but it was with Steve Reid's band that Oliver found a following. It was 1996 when Reid contacted Oliver at the last minute to fill in for a canceled opening act. Oliver hit the stage as a solo act and Reid was impressed with the guitarist's vocalese skills and summery sound (Oliver is a California native and a true follower of the laid-back lifestyle). Oliver had come to vocalese not through King Pleasure or Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, but through Bobby McFerrin and Pat Metheny's work with Richard Bona and David Blamires, who sang along with guitar solos. Being a fan of the earthy Metheny sound, Reid hired Oliver after the gig and featured him in his touring band. Reid's Mysteries and Passion in Paradise albums featured Oliver not only as guitarist but songwriter as well.

Oliver struck out on his own in 1999 with his debut, First View, released by Night Vision. The album spawned three hit singles on smooth jazz radio and earned the guitarist a Debut Artist of the Year award from Smooth Jazz News. Duties in Reid's band kept Oliver busy until 2002, when he released Positive Energy on Native Language. Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman was in the producer's chair for Oliver's third album, 3-D, released by Koch in 2004.

David Jeffries, Allmusic.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Acoustic guitarist Steve Oliver knows another can't-miss smooth jazz secret: if you want to create a killer debut, work with a slew of past and present Rippingtons. First View reveals a strong melodic player and composer equally comfortable on sweet little gems like "I Know" and the slamming razor sharp funk of "Happy Feet"; Oliver was able to bring a fresh new hip-hop feel to the silly standard "Midnight at the Oasis." Another trademark is his remarkable soprano-voiced scatting ability, which he weaves seamlessly into his guitar lines. Still, it's got to be a secure feeling having percussionist Steve Reid, saxmen Paul Taylor and Jeff Kashiwa, keyboardist Dave Kochanski and bassist Kim Stone helping out. The Taylor driven bridge on "Happy Feet" thrusts along like a classic Rippingtons' riff. The one area of departure from that Rippingtons' feel which Oliver could feel free to explore more (lest he always be compared to Russ Freeman) appears on "East Wind," which finds him right at home exploring more hard-edged blues flavors. Even if his basic acoustic sound is of the cool and balmy variety, he likes to surround it with hard-hitting grooves at times; "Happy Feet"'s foundation, laid down by Stone and aggressive drummer Dave Hooper, provides the perfect balance for Oliver's lighter touch.

Jonathan Widran, Allmusic.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Contemporary jazz guitarist and vocalist Steve Oliver offers something everyone will enjoy on his sophomore release as a leader, titled Positive Energy. The recording reflects Oliver's smooth, upbeat, joyous spirit through dynamic vocals and instrumentals on 12 brand-new originals. Working with Steve Oliver are such prominent contemporary jazz favorites as his labelmate, Jeff Kashiwa, on saxophone and Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman alongside the multi-talented bassists Brian Bromberg and Larry Antonino. The recording opens with the radio-friendly "High Noon," the first single to be released from the CD. The song combines the freshest licks from Latin funk and the smoothest grooves from smooth jazz in an energetic presentation with a contemporary flair. Oliver's vocals set the song apart from the instrumentals on the set and give his listeners more than enough room to enjoy the "positive energy" emanating from his playing style. On the title track, Steve Reid adds his mighty percussion to the mix and not only provides an extra layer of rhythmic fuel, but inspires Oliver's excellent guitar playing to another level of performance. Oliver's ability to tell a story is quite evident on the vocal version of "Show You Love." This song has the potential to cross over to the R&B genre due to its funky backbeat and danceability and is reprised as an instrumental, with Brandon Fields' smooth tenor sax as the lead voice, to close the set. Positive Energy has no problem meeting the standards set by Oliver's 1999 debut, First View, and should garner additional smooth jazz and groove fans for Oliver. In the making for nearly three years, the new musical dimensions added by the guest stars, the romantic and sometimes-funky celebratory vibe, and Oliver's excellent musicality make Positive Energy another great opportunity to hear what Steve Oliver is all about.

Paula Edelstein, Allmusic.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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As one reviewer said of the cheerful music and personality of this increasingly popular voice of smooth jazz guitar, it's Disneyland all the time with him. In other words, Positive Energy, the name of his second genre disc, wasn't just a happy marketing tool. And the title of this disc is appropriate, too, because with the co-production help of founding Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman, Oliver digs deep into a rich variety of influences for a multifaceted romp through the worlds of pop, jazz, urban/hip-hop, worldbeat, Brazilian, and Latin music. While focusing as always on his classic acoustic guitar and brilliant "vocalese" to convey the lead melodies on the instrumentals, he stretches into edgier blues territory with his lesser-heard electric on "In the Shade of Cool." Joining all-star guests like Fourplay drummer Harvey Mason (who adds his gentle rhythmic touch to the lush romantic atmospheres of the title track) and saxophonist Eric Marienthal (soulful harmony on the lilting ballad "She's Got the Way-O," punchy riffs and call-and-response amidst the brass, retro-soul, and party-groove mania of "Funhouse") is a handful of musicians familiar to longtime fans of the Oliver live experience, including Will Donato (sax) and Larry Antonino (bass). It's fun in the sun (with a few romantic respites) from beginning to end, with the jumpy, brass-fired "Chips and Salsa" balanced by trippier pieces like "Magic World," which has a slight worldbeat sensibility. Oliver's growing as a vocalist, too, with three lead vocal tracks that are among his best. He hardly needed to do a cover to get attention (as some smoothies do), but he puts on a subtle charm for "Imagine" that adds a touch of inspiration to the Magic Kingdom.

Jonathan Widran, Allmusic.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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This buoyant smooth jazz guitarist and vocalist was once described by Jazziz Magazine as having a personality that was genuinely "Disneyland all the time." Many genre greats balk at having their music called "happy jazz," but Oliver would no doubt take that as a compliment. His deepening production textures show that he can do more than simply create playful, upbeat, instantly hummable melodies, but he's always focused on making sure the listener has a great time. His second recording was called Positive Energy and the title of this disc sums up his ongoing vibe and mission even more succinctly. While his previous recordings included numerous tracks featuring "big" productions and all-star guest artists like Harvey Mason and Eric Marienthal (who both guested on his previous project, 3D), he committed this time to a slightly scaled-back approach that focuses more intimately on his guitar and voice – which truly has the power to create a multi-layered "orchestra" all its own. Oliver brought back Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman – who co-produced 3D – to co-produce the graceful and sensual "Across the Water" and the lush, inspirational closing vocal track, "Radiant Dreams," but on the other nine tracks sought the fresh perspective of co-producer, keyboardist, and programmer Michael Broening. Like Oliver's previous albums, Radiant thrives on the thrilling sunshine of lively, playful nylon string-driven tracks like the opener (whose title says it all), "Feeling Good"; "Tradewinds" (which begins in a dreamy, swaying mode before evolving into a funky jam); "Good to Go," a Latin/world music fusion explosion featuring a sizzling, full-throttle offering of Oliver's guitar, "vocalese," vocal percussion, and trippy production ambience; and the brassy and bluesy, R&B-flavored "Cool." The musician's first two recordings featured all original songs, but his success in "Oliverizing" John Lennon's "Imagine" – which has become a popular staple of his live shows – inspired him to rework in his own inimitable way (this time vocally) another chestnut from the same era, Stephen Stills' classic 1966 track with Buffalo Springfield, "For What It's Worth."

Jonathan Widran, Allmusic.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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One of smooth jazz's most inventive and melodic guitarists and vocalists, the always engaging Steve Oliver has come up with 2006's smooth jazz holiday disc to beat with this winsome effort, Snowfall He succeeds brilliantly simply by making sure his arrangements of these oft-heard songs capture the different elements of his eclectic artistry. "Carol of the Bells" is both dramatic and intimate, a sweet exploration of his joyful acoustic guitar approach. "Silent Night" has a cool underlying machine-generated percussion bed and a soulful lead vocal, while the medley "Deck the Halls/Angels We Have Heard on High" is lively, danceable and a perfect blend of Oliver's wordless vocal magic, acoustic tenderness, and Latin sensibilities. "White Christmas," on the other hand, is served by his subtle electric guitar. Oliver is one of his genre's best songwriters, always ready with a solid hook radio can't resist; "Crystals in the Snow" displays the kind of drama he can create with simple soundscaping and a lead acoustic line, while "Watching the Snowfall" is a typically heartfelt vocal. Album artwork is somewhat secondary these days due to smaller formats and digital downloading, but artist Bettie Miner's stunning impressionistic cover and insert painting is beautiful and worth owning.

Jonathan Widran, Allmusic.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Cynics who don't get smooth jazz – and wonder why thousands of passionate genre fans spend their hard-earned money every year on the genre's many festivals and cruises – just listen to the radio too much. No matter how catchy the songs are, the airwaves just don't capture the potential magic and fire of a live performance. That goes for most of the format's big artists, but few have been as compelling on-stage as the multi-talented Steve Oliver, whose soulful vocals and snappy guitar lines are just the beginning of what is essentially a one-man orchestra capable of numerous sonic delights; these include wild and crazy vocal percussion, breezy wordless vocal joys, and – as evidenced by the "Guitar Demonstration" of this exciting live CD/DVD package – a synth guitar that can simulate everything from a grand piano to bass, flute, and orchestrated strings. In the economic climate of the late 2000s, a dual package like this seemed like a calculated commercial risk. But as wildly compelling as Oliver's instantly infectious songs are on the ears, the visual entertainment he provides and the way his grateful audience responds (at any of his 200-plus performances annually) make a DVD of one of his classic performances (at the State Theatre in Modesto, CA) a must. Oliver doesn't go crazy finding new twists on instrumental hits like "Magic World" and "Chips and Salsa," but they are still some of smooth jazz's best songs and are always fun to hear. On classics like "I Know" and new tunes like "Fearless," he also shows his penchant for romantic lead vocals. The title of one of the package's later uptempo tracks, the breezy top-down "Feeling Good," sums up the charms Oliver offers throughout. Beyond the 13 live performances, the guitarist adds two new studio tunes, the catchy vocal "This Fire" and a cheerful new instrumental, "On the Upside," which is just that. The DVD features a behind-the-scenes segment and a lighthearted explanation of the artist's "guitar orchestra" that shows his truly "Radiant" personality one more time. If this blisteringly happy disc doesn't make you feel all Disneyland, no music released in 2008 will.

Jonathan Widran , Allmusic.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Gifted guitarman Steve Oliver is back and in great fashion. His latest work "Global Kiss" proves one more time his versatility and creative touch throughout the whole album. Produced by him and Spyro Gyro's keyboardist Tom Schuman this new work released on March of this year displays a high level of musicianship given the variety of styles that Steve likes to explore. From the "sure-fire" smooth jazz hit in the opening track "Fun in the Sun" featuring new sax sensation Darren Rahn and my favorite "True Vision" with stellar guests like Marion Meadows on soprano, Bob Baldwin on piano and Bonny B. on drums to latin flavored "Ba Aye" which includes another outstanding line-up (Tom Schuman on keyboards and piano, Will Donato on sax, Alan Hewitt on vibes and marimba and Spyro Gyra's Bonny B on drums besides Rochon Westmoreland on bass and Humberto Vela, percussion) Steve feels "at home". In between world music numbers like the title track and "Sunlight Within" alternate with beautiful ballads like "Fearless" and "Take me away, Distant Shore" sung by Steve to perfection. By the way, it's time for an all-vocal album (I still remember his amazing cover of Buffalo Springfield's "For What it's worth"), the talent is there and it should be an interesting experience given the right tunes. This album provides a well crafted set of songs and different styles where the listener will enjoy the exquisite talent of this brilliant musician.

Charlie Trece, Amazon.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Steve Oliver blew a passionate Global Kiss to fans everywhere on his 2010 album release, scoring two number 1 hits (Global Kiss and Fun In The Sun) on the Billboard chart. Further defining his unique role as a musical World Citizen. On his latest collection, the dynamic guitarist and vocalist keeps the universal spirit alive. On World Citizen, Oliver creates an amazing array of sounds with his guitar, guitar synth and voice (singing three lead vocals and many wordless passages), and introduces his skills on the violin on Fiesta. He invites along several of the key musicians who made Global Kiss an invigorating triumph, including longtime collaborator, keyboardist Tom Schuman, and Trinidad born drummer/percussionist Bonny B (both from Spyro Gyra). Also making notable appearances are saxophonists Paul Taylor, Andrew Neu and Will Donato. Bassists Eddie Reddick, Donald Philips, KT Tyler and Billy Sherwood (from the legendary band Yes); and Moody Blues keyboardist Alan Hewitt on the Hammond B-3 organ on the funky and bluesy, brass splashed opening track Watching The World, which is the album s first single. No Oliver recording would be complete without a batch of high energy tunes showcasing his infectious, husky lead vocals, which he delivers on World Citizen via How Will You Know (an incisive powerful song which questions 'know it all types' who speak of things they have never experienced themselves). The empowering soul-jazz anthem New Possibilities (featuring optimistic lyrics co-written by Oliver and Grammy winning singer/songwriter Jim Peterik, of Ides of March and Survivor fame). I came up with the title World Citizen while I was recording Global Kiss and felt that the concept would lend itself to an expansive musical landscape and where I could really explore a lot of exciting and fertile territory as a composer. Steve has scored numerous airplay hits and nominations for Best New Artist and Best Guitar Player, both in the US and Canada. World Citizen is an amazing statement from a passionate Artist.

Almazon.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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Celebrate a milestone in the musical career of Steve Oliver. With eight albums over the last 15 years, Steve's 'Best Of so far' gathers multiple #1 Billboard hits and fan favorites including 2 brand new songs. From 1999's First View, Oliver recaptures the magic of that first album by re-recording 'West End' and 'I Know' for this compilation. Concert and radio favorites like 'High Noon', 'Chips and Salsa' and 'Fun in the Sun' will keep listeners on their feet. 'Calling You' and 'Hello Mornin' are wonderful new songs that feel right at home among this collection of hits. The title suggests these are the best so far, and as a collection, it definitely reflects the consistent energy and great songwriting skills that has kept Steve Oliver a chart topping name, a great guitarist/vocalist and producer. Here's to the next 15 Steve!

Amazon.com

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Steve Oliver - Albums Collection 1999-2016 (10CD + DVD5)

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After a decade and a half of #1 Billboard Jazz Instrumental Hits, the multi talented singer, songwriter and guitarist goes full on adult contemporary with Pictures and Frames, his first ever all vocal album. Recorded at the legendary Capitol Studios in Hollywood, the John Mayer, Sting and Steely Dan influenced Pictures and Frames features the exotic soundscaping of Steve Reid, former percussionist of contemporary jazz powerhouse The Rippingtons and the all star rhythm section of bassist Lee Sklar whose 2,000 studio sessions include multiple albums with James Taylor, Phil Collins and Linda Ronstadt and legendary jazz/rock drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, known for his work with Sting, Frank Zappa, Eric Clapton and Herbie Hancock, among hundreds of others. As a songwriter, Oliver runs the gamut from pointed social observations like Instant Gratification, about the lack of human communication due to our collective obsession with cell phones in our demanding, push button society, to lush romantic expressions like A Waltz To You, and the lighthearted Long Time Comin , which showcases Oliver's trademark a capella virtuosity and energizing vocal percussion. Everyone is always asking Why, the first radio single. Not only does Pictures and Frames highlight his songwriting abilities but also his great vocals and dynamic guitar playing.