Since the rise of the inventive, adventurous and ever-exploring Chicago based guitarist Steve Knight as a recording artist is rooted in the pandemic lockdown era, it’s worth noting that the background jams that gave rise to his critically acclaimed 2022 debut album Persistence has given rise to a popular ongoing community series called Jazz in the Yard.
Knight’s persistence with his trio (bassist Justin Peterson and new drummer Linard Stroud) continues to build momentum on For Years Gone, a multiple mood swing masterpiece that seems like an ever-evolving, stylistically clever homage to important people (musicians and otherwise) in his life. Dedicated with love to his late mother, the title track “For Years Gone” (originally titled “Four Years Gone”) offers tender, meditative magic that perfect for chilling and reflecting on sweet memories of departed loved ones.
On the complete other end of the rhythmic spectrum is the plucky, percussive opener “Lure,” which lives up to its title with vim, vigor and swaggering swing. His tributes to past compositional greatness begins with a seriously imaginative (pun intended!) spin on “Pure Imagination,” a staple of his live set that he sees as a great vehicle for jazz because of his ability to add extra measures and phrases. He also finds a way to bring fresh contemporary hipness to the much-covered George Harrison Beatles classic “Something” and the obscure yet truly lovely early Joni Mitchell tune “Urge For Going” with moody, spacious and seductive arrangements.
On the jazz side, Knight throws a wink to Roy Haynes on the alternately hypnotic and bustling “Cracklin’” before spotlighting a lesser known Pat Martino gem (“Colussus”) with fast and furious energy that showcases his wild guitarisma. Also in Knight’s masterful sights is the Great American Songbook, represented by a peppy rumble through the Charlie Christian/Benny Goodman barnburner “7 Come 11” and a frolicsome, dizzying blast through Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood.”
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