Steve Rawlins | Word on the Street

Veteran pianist, composer and arranger Steve Rawlins steps confidently into the spotlight with Word on the Street, an engaging set that moves easily through straight-ahead jazz, samba, bossa nova, blues and lyrical balladry. Rawlins’ polished writing and buoyant piano work are complemented by Sal Lozano on alto saxophone, tenor saxophone and flute, Grant Geissman on guitar, Ken Wild on acoustic bass, Hussain Jiffry on electric bass and John Ferraro on drums, while Marisa Bradfield, Victoria Rawlins and Isela Sotelo add vocals. The program features ten originals or co-compositions, written principally by Rawlins, with Grant Geissman and Isela Sotelo sharing composer credits, alongside a Jimmy McHugh standard. Throughout, the arrangements retain the discipline of Rawlins’ extensive television and orchestral background while leaving ample space for crisp ensemble exchanges and expressive solos. The result is melodic, sophisticated and warmly accessible, a spirited showcase for a seasoned musician whose work as a leader deserves to be heard.