Jack West and Curvature
"Around About Now"

Few people think of jazz fusion when you mention pedal steel guitar. Guitarist Jack West saw the potential, though, when he met San Francisco steeler David Phillips. David is a full-fledged member of this performing jazz quartet, exploring a territory rarely touched by steel guitarists. He takes the head on several of the tunes and has solos in all of them except "Christina's Song", which Jack plays solo.

The band includes Jack on 8 string guitar, David on his 14 string Sierra (tuned to a modified E9/B6), Joel Davel on Marimba Lumina (an electronic marimba), and Darian Gray on drums. The CD also lists Peter Valsamis on percussion, but the band usually performs as a 4-piece. The music is difficult and strikingly original. David's eclectic style and impeccible musicianship compliment Jack's songs perfectly. Here's what the press says about them:

"Unusual. Remarkable. Wondrous!" - Down Beat

"Jack West's compositions are both technically improbable and sonically impressive... His unorthodox approach always breathes deep with originality." - Creative Loafing, Atlanta

1. Backwards Over Bend* (7:44)
2. Deliverance (6:36)
3. Balance Like This (8:51)
4. Conversation #3 (7:51)
5. What Next To What? (8:20)
6. Not What You Think (7:16)
7. Christina's Song (4:20)