By MATT WEST
Steve Million has a name valued at a thousand bucks — times a thousand. And with his latest recording “Thanks a Million,” this jazz pianist shows the listener why his piano skills are worth his name in gold.
But it’s not even his piano playing that sets Million apart from the others in the straight-ahead jazz music scene. In fact, his improvisation style is quite restrained and understated. He tends to focus more on note choice to shape his solos than intensity or volume.
What should establish Million as a name to know in the jazz world are his compositions. “Thanks a Million” gives us a taste of what kind of sophisticated writing skills he has at his fingertips.
The album showcases a variety of styles, from a samba to a bossa nova to a pair of swing waltzes to a tune with an unusual nine beats to the bar. Interestingly enough, the only song on the album not written by Million gives the recording its title.
“I carry them around with me wherever I go,” Million has said about his compositions. “I don’t write tunes lightly; sometimes they’re not finished for 15 years.”
Million has established himself in Chicago and has played there principally for the past decade, and has a long history of performing and jazz education. It all started when, as a seven-year-old boy, he encountered jazz legend Count Basie at a performance in Missouri.
“It was like a dream,” he said a few decades later.
Through his years of experience he has made some pretty noteworthy musical friends, and it could be said that the guest musicians on his album represent a “who’s who” in jazz today. Even with his credentials and history Million is the least known of the bunch.
Included in the line-up are Chris Potter on saxophones, Randy Brecker on trumpet and flugelhorn, Ron Vincent on drums, bassist Michael Moore and percussionist Mark Walker.
Brecker is well-known as one of the best jazz trumpeters to ever play the horn. His solos on the album are nothing less than genius. Moore has been described in jazz circles as one of the best bassists in the world. Walker is a member of the Caribbean Jazz Project, an acclaimed group that performed here at BYU last winter semester.
“Thanks a Million” is a jazz album for the active listener who enjoys a challenge, and who can appreciate complex improvisation and composition. Million definitely outdoes himself on this one; just be thankful the price of the CD doesn’t compare with his name.
