Jango / Dreamtown

Steve Nieves, sax player / vocalist began touring and recording since 1978 and moved to Los Angeles in 1981. When Nieves recorded the album “Light The Night” as Steve Kragan, the front man for the band Jakata on Motown / Morocco Records in 1984, his relationship with producer Steve Barri began, who was Vice President of A&R with Motown then. Barri acted as executive producer during his tenure at Motown on multi-platinum albums by The Commodores, Lionel Ritchie, and Rick James before his departure from Motown in 1986. By mid 1990’s Barri moved into jazz, and became an A&R executive at the JVC Records.
In 1998, Nieves released his solo album “Dream Harvest” (JVC Records) produced by Barri, and supported by Steve Le Gassick as a co-songwriter / keyboard player, and Michael Price as either songwriter or co-songwriter. In the same year, Barri signed to Gold Circle Entertainment running two labels, Gold Circle and Samson Records, as a producer and A&R executive,

Finally, I would write about Jango; Jango was formed in 1998 by Steve Le Gassick and Michael Price and grew out of Steve Nieves solo “Dream Harvest” project on which the duo had collaborated with. Joining Le Gassick and Nieves (Price plays a solely behind-the-scenes role) is an acclaimed aggregation of fellow session players: Nick Kirgo (guitars), Leon Johnson (bass), and Dave Beyer (drums). Under Barri’s guidance they recorded “Dreamtown” which earned a nomination for “Best New Artist of the Year” at the 2000 National Smooth Jazz Awards. The album was all through very sophisticated by a well-balanced blend of instrumental and vocal tunes, The first lead track from the album was the cover version of Victor Feldman’s "With Your Love“. Jango also covered “How Long” on the album, originally performed by the Brit pop band Ace headed by Paul Carraxk in 1974., which must be the highlight of the pop and jazz blended album with Steely Dan’s sophistication.

Release: 23 February, 1999
Label: Samson Music, USA (GC 0160)

Tracks:
1. Dreamtown Intro
2. City Of The 2nd Chance
3. With Your Love (Victor's Song)
4. How Long
5. 7th Journey
6. Dreamtown
7. Driftin'
8. Too Much Time
9. Kings Road
10. Message To Ramona
11. Sunset To The Sea
12. Golden Fool

Producers:mSteve LeGassick, Michael Price, Steve Barri
Executive Producer: Steve Barri

Jango:
Steve Nieves: Vocals, Sax, Percussion
Steve Le Gassick: Keyboards, Vocals
Nick Kirgo: Guitar, Vocals
Dave Beyer:Drums
Leon Johnson: Bass

- Musicians -
Guitar:Anas Allaf, Eric Henderson :
Background vocals: Michael Price

#Jango