What I Meant to Say

It is not often that we get two CDs released at about the same time, from one artist. Such is the case with pianist and composer Steve Million. His two new CDs are chock full of original tunes.

First up we have What I Meant to Say. This project is a true labor of love. The songs, some new, and some written back in the '70s and '80s, all sound fresh. This is a quartet - or if you prefer, it is a piano trio with guitar, played by Steve Cardenas.

Having a guitar in the band was clearly on Mr. Million's mind when he named the tune Waltz for Mr. Abercrombie, dedicating it to the late guitarist John Abercrombie (December 16, 1944 - August 22, 2017).

Also featured on the CD are John Sims on bass and Ron Vincent on drums.

At the end of the first hour, we'll hear Open the Book, written in 1981 upon the birth of his daughter, Peige. Originally titled Open the Book to Page One, the song promotes the idea of starting something new, much like Joe Henderson's debut album. I love having this kind of background, so that when I listen to a song like this I can get an idea where the composer is coming from. Now that I know this, I understand the sense of wonder and mystery that Mr. Million imparts through this song.