Biography
More than a decade ago, guitarist and vocalist Steve Oliver burst onto the contemporary jazz scene with a sound so fresh, so positive, so bright, that he immediately became a favorite on radio stations with songs like "West End" and "Highway One." The Weather Channel loved his music so much it put "Right Direction" into heavy rotation during its local weather breaks. Smooth Jazz News magazine named Oliver its Debut Artist of the Year.
Now, after four studio CDs, a Christmas project and a CD that captured his infectious live-on-stage energy, Oliver on March 30 returns with Global Kiss on SOM Entertainment. As the title makes clear, Global Kiss expands Oliver's repertoire with its world-music energy while retaining the lyrical melodies and song hooks that have made him a fan favorite. "The concept is of global influence and world music, how you can put that flavor into jazz and R&B tunes," says Oliver, who commissioned contemporary jazz saxophonist and graphic artist Marion Meadows to design the CD's bright and inspiring cover. "The CD touches on different cultures, from Brazil, India, the Middle East, America, Europe. I've always loved taking different styles of music and blending them into a cohesive vibe. That's always attracted me as a listener, as well."
Global Kiss offers 12 all-new original songs, all written by Oliver. Although Oliver plays a guitar synth he designed for the Carvin guitar company – one on which he can trigger orchestral, brass, piano and other sounds – Global Kiss is enhanced by top-notch studio musicians and several songs were recorded live in the studio.
The first single, "Fun in the Sun," is co-produced by Oliver and Nate Harasim (a solo jazz artist and member of the group De' Nate') and features up-and-coming contemporary jazz star Darren Rahn on sax. "It's feel-good music," Oliver says. "I played it live before I recorded it. I could tell that fans were instantly responding to it."
Elsewhere, "Barcelo" is named after a hotel in Spain where Oliver stayed while performing and soaking up world music sounds; "Ba Aye," is a Brazilian-influenced tune whose title doesn't mean anything in Portuguese but is instead a scatting-type phrase Oliver sings; "Sunlight Within," which Oliver co-produced with Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra and recalls the grand musical statements made by Pat Metheny; and "Angel Amore," a gorgeous tune capturing the intimate interplay between Oliver and percussionist Humberto Vela, who provides much of Global Kiss' worldly sound with his dumbekes, djembe and tablas. "I like ending albums on a nice, beautiful tranquil note," Oliver says.
Oliver has one of the most compelling and warm voices in contemporary jazz, which he shows on Global Kiss' three vocal tracks: "Life Goes On," "Fearless" and "Take Me Away (Distant Shore)." Influenced by the world-music sounds of timeless artists such as Peter Gabriel, as well as the wordplay of more contemporary artists like John Mayer and Jason Mraz, Oliver's lyrics always invite close listening. "Lyrically, I write songs about life," he says. "I think outside of myself; I don't write a lot of love songs." Although the majority of his vocal tunes are positive in nature, Oliver admits that "Life Goes On" isn't as sunny as usual and is more of a snapshot of what he's seeing in today's world.Of course, in addition to his vocal songs, listeners are likely to hear Oliver's scatting and unique vocal sounds in many of his non-vocal studio songs as well, which he intensifies and amplifies in live shows.
"I'm an advocate of music healing and bringing people together in the global community," Oliver says. "It's healthy. When you're hearing a song and you get goosebumps as its moving through you, there's power there. I write most of my songs thinking of a live performance; I want to get that live essence across when I step into the studio and start recording."
Oliver, who grew up Walnut Creek, California, and now lives in Southern California, played in progressive rock bands in the style of Yes and Genesis. He formed his own band, Fragile Glass, and released an album. After touring with a number of nationally known bands and musicians, Oliver eventually find his calling with contemporary jazz, touring in a two-man band with violinist Jim Hurley, who was in a new age/world music band Ancient Future. The duo opened for percussionist Steve Reid, a former member of the legendary Rippingtons who had formed his own world-music group, Bamboo Forest. Reid was so impressed with Oliver he invited him to join his band. Oliver would go on to write songs and perform on three of Reid's albums.
Oliver's own debut came with 1999's First View. Featuring the hits "West End" and "Highway One," it was nominated for an AFIM (Association for Independent Music) Award for best smooth jazz recording of 1999. The album scored three hit radio singles and hit the Top 20 on the Gavin and Radio & Records airplay charts. His second CD, 2002's Positive Energy, featured the Top 5 smooth jazz hit "High Noon," while 2004's 3D included "Chips and Salsa" and "Oh Yeah." Radiant, released in 2006, offered the hit "Tradewinds."
With the release of Global Kiss and other year of touring the globe and bringing his music to people, Oliver says he's definitely pumped. "Today it's about live performances to reach people and touch their lives. They feel the energy of the music, and want to be inspired. No matter how down the times are. And when they hear really good songs, they feel inspired."
