Steve Khan - Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet Tender, Love) (1977)

Review by John W. Patterson: What do you get when you have a superb rhythm section, saucy keyboards, a hot and brassy mini-horn section, and one very tasteful jazz- and chops-laden guitarist all come together with some jazz and some fusion in mind? You have the magic of Steve Khan and the Brecker Brothers coming together. With folks like this, and Steve Gadd and Bob James too, you have a formula for success.

Khan's compositions are smooth yet lively enough not to bore. His unique drive, and pristine flourish and tone on his modded Fender Telecaster, and even his deft acoustic work, all come together to make a very satisfying blend of sexy jazz and funked-up, be bop fusion. Yet there is that special touch that only Steve Khan can add that makes his releases a signature sound on each outing. If you listen closely, you will hear Larry Coryell-ian riffs and stylings (as Khan and Coryell used to jam together, and did record together).

Much ado is made about Mike Stern's guitar work in the '80s and '90s, but one listen to Khan and you will immediately hear who his big inspiration was. Next time you pick up an old Stern release you stand a good chance of seeing the words "produced by Steve Khan."