Michael Jefry Stevens

Precipice: The new album from
Michael Jefry Stevens

Michael Jefry Stevens Releases New Album “Precipice” on the Artists Recording Collective Label Featuring Christian Howes on Violin.

Precipice from Michael Jefry Stevens

Asheville, NC – Pianist and composer Michael Jefry Stevens has teamed up with violinist Christian Howes, drummer Rick Dilling, and bassist Bryan McConnell to release his latest album “Precipice” on the Artist Recording Collective label.

The album showcases Stevens’ unique approach to jazz composition and improvisation, blending elements of modern jazz, avant-garde, traditional jazz, latin jazz and classical music.  

Stevens is best known for his collaborative work with the Fonda/Stevens Group, Conference Call Quartet, Eastern Boundary Quartet, the Generations Quartet as well as improvised projects with bassist Dominic Duval and the Swiss “In Transit” Quartet.

Sample the album

“Precipice” is a collection of seven original compositions that take the listener on a journey through Stevens’ musical world. The album opens with “Survivors of Abaco,” a powerful composition that sets the tone for the rest of the album. From there, the quartet explores a range of moods and textures, from the frenetic energy of “Precipice” to the introspective beauty of “Elegy for Planet Earth”.

Stevens’ playing is at its best on this album, showcasing his technical prowess and deep musicality. Howes’ virtuosic violin playing adds a new dimension to the music, weaving in and out of Stevens’ piano lines with grace and agility. Dilling and McConnell provide a rock-solid foundation for Stevens and Howes’ improvisations, responding to their every move with precision and creativity. The chemistry between the four musicians is palpable, creating a sense of excitement and spontaneity throughout the album.

He has released over 100 albums as a leader or co-leader and has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dave Liebman, Oliver Lake, Dave Douglas and Mark Feldman. 

In addition to his work as a pianist and composer, Stevens is also an accomplished educator.  

“Precipice” is a must-listen for fans of modern jazz and anyone who appreciates great music. The album is available now on CD and digital platforms. For more information on Michael Jefry Stevens and his music, visit his website at www.michaeljefrystevens.com or check out the following links:  https://linktr.ee/mjsjazz

Michael’s new website provides visitors with a robust store offering a well-organized wide range of his original music–from lead sheets to big band to vocal charts to chamber music. The store allows musicians of all skill levels to find precisely the music they want in order to get the most out of Stevens’ compositions and arrangements. 

Shots of the Precipice Recording Session

Click to enlarge and download each image

Contact for press:
Michael Jefry Stevens P.O. Box 164, Black Mountain, NC 28711

• Email Michael
• Links to many of Michael’s resources

Mountain Song

Style: jazz waltz

Grade: 3

I wrote this song while I was living in Brooklyn, NY and spending quite a bit of time in Woodstock, NY.  This is the closest thing to a “country music” song I have ever written.  This composition was recorded by myself and bassist Eliot Wadopian on our "Mountain Song" duo CD.  This piece is extremely playable at most levels!!!

Mountain Song

$2.49

Alisiah

Style: Swing

Grade: 1

Alisiah is one of my earliest compositions. The tonality revolves around C major, F major and Eminor. It is a very simple medium tempo swing tune. Nothing fancy.  This piece was recorded on my "Duets" CD with vibraphonist Jason DeCristofaro.

Alisiah

$2.49

For My Brother

Style: Ballad

Grade: 2

The harmonies move quite slowly in this ballad.  The most challenging aspect of the piece are the 2/4 bars.  This ballad was recorded on Jon Hemmersam's "Remembering" CD release which also featured Dave Liebman and Rakalam Bob Moses.

For My Brother

$2.49

Lei’s Song

Style: Waltz

Grade: 2

This is one of my favorite compositions.  Written in 3/4 time, but with phrases grouped in three’s, four’s and other odd groupings this is a very unique piece.  Also, it is made up entirely of minor 7 chords.  The Fonda/Stevens Group recorded this tune on our CD "The Healing".

Lei’s Song

$2.49

The Beauty That We Are

Style: Ballad

Grade: 1

This ballad is quite easy to play.  The changes move very slowly giving the student plenty of time to navigate the harmonic landscape.

The Beauty That We Are

$2.49

The Moffett Family

Style: Blues

Grade: 2

This piece was composed in the early 1980's and dedicated to Charnett Moffett and his family band. I played with the band for one year. The tune is a simple form containing only dominant chords. The feel is very bluesy.

The Moffett Family

$2.49

Red’s Blues

Style: Blues, swing

Grade: 2

This is a very simple “swing” composition with a bluesy feel but not in a Blues form. The changes are very simple. The head is a question-and-answer with the melody and the rhythm section.  A good piece to introduce the blues scale to students. Released on my "Red's Blues" CD.

Red’s Blues

$2.49

Song for Rio

Style: Latin

Grade: 3

I wrote this bossa nova after visiting Rio in 1999.  The form is quite long and the bridge is very chromatic.  The piece is highly melodic and quite fun to play.  The "Stevens, Siegel & Ferguson Trio" recorded this tune on our "Six" CD release.

Song for Rio

$2.49

Memorial

Style: Latin

Grade: 4

This piece features a Latin feel written out in the piano part.  The changes are pretty standard and move slowly enough for the student to navigate quite easily. The bridge of the tune is a fun release from all the harmonic movement in the beginning section of the composition.  The "Stevens, Siegel & Ferguson Trio" recorded this composition on our "Panorama" CD which featured Valery Ponomarev on trumpet.

Memorial

$2.49

The Innocence of Spring

Style: Swing

Grade: 4

This medium swing tune consists of an extended melody and long form.  The harmonies are very chromatic and include some hybrid chordal structures as well.  The piece is challenging but worth the effort.  I recorded this on my "The Innocence of Spring" CD with saxophonist Don Aliquo.

The Innocence of Spring

$2.49

Kulturshock

Style: Swing

Grade: 5

This is a very adventurous composition. The harmonies are very difficult and the rhythms are quite unusual. A great challenge for the advanced player.  I wrote this piece shortly after moving from Brooklyn, NY to Memphis, TN.  That was quite a culture shock!!!

Kulturshock

$2.49

Four Wheeler

Style: Swing

Grade: 2

This composition is an open swing feel featuring a chromatic chord sequence and several polychords.  The changes move quickly making the piece difficult for the soloist to navigate. The melody is not difficult but overall the piece is challenging.  This is dedicated to the great trumpeter Kenny Wheeler.

Four Wheeler

$2.49

The Beauty That We Are

Style: ballad
Grade: 2

This ballad is quite easy to play.  The changes move very slowly giving the student plenty of time to navigate the harmonic landscape.

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