The newest of Jason’s projects, the Jason Steele Quartet, features original music as well as some interesting takes on some not so common cover songs. After a 15 year friendship, Jason is finally getting a chance to play with drummer Andre Beasley alongside other regular members of the Jason Steele Ensemble; trumpeter James Davis and bassist Patrick Mulcahy.
“Guitarist Jason Steele takes only one solo on his debut album. It’s gentle, minimalist, sneaks in quietly and is gone in a flash. That says a lot about his collectivist approach, which emphasizes the organic, shifting sound of his octet as it spirals through a series of brooding, cinematic themes.” -JazzTimes Jason first assembled The Jason Steele Ensemble in September of 2004. With a jazz framework, the compositions delve into the sonic spaces of post-rock, fusion, pop and ambience through ambitious improvisations. Unlike much contemporary jazz and improv, Steele’s music is inviting and warm – dissonances feel comfortable and the unfamiliar quickly become friendly. In 2007 the Jason Steele Ensemble released their debut CD, Some Wonderful Moment, resulting in a great deal of positive attention in the jazz world, and was given great reviews by Jazz Times, Jazz Review, and eJazzNews. The recording features special guest Ron Miles, a Denver based coronetist known not only for work under his own name, but also for his collaborations with such jazz luminaries as Bill Frisell, Don Byron, and Wayne Horvitz.
Remington 2+2 is an innovative free-improv quartet that merges the talents of pioneering musician Jason Steele with dynamic guitarist Bill MacKay combined with two “mystery guests” invited to participate in each performance. This ensemble-on-the-spot produces stunning works of unique immediacy, providing every show with its own distinctive character. Steele and McKay first played together in the Charles Rumback Trio, transforming into their new form in August of 2005. Past Remington 2+2 guests include Greg Ward, Charles Gorczynski, Paul Giallorenzo, Charles Rumback and many other musicians from the local and national music scene.