Since the release of his 2022 debut album, Persistence, guitarist and composer Steve Knight has been riding a wave of success. With a jam-packed schedule that includes a weekly residency at a chic Chicago restaurant, community performances at a local high school, and a dozen gigs each month at clubs across the city, Knight has firmly established himself as a key figure in Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene. And now, with the release of his new album For Years Gone, he’s poised to be even busier.
Persistence earned rave reviews, including a four-star rating from DownBeat. All About Jazz described it as “engaging at every level: harmonic, melodic, rhythmic... this entire production works very well, whatever one's taste in guitar heroes might be." Take Effect praised it as “an excellent first album, highly technical and delivered with grace and adventurousness,” highlighting Knight’s ability to blend pop, funk, blues, and R&B into his jazz repertoire.
Knight’s journey began in Olathe, Kansas, where he started playing guitar at the age of 12. He went on to major in theater at Emporia State University but found himself equally drawn to music. Split between the theater and music departments, Knight played in pit orchestras, big bands, and faculty combos while teaching guitar at the university. His career took him to New York City, where he performed on Carnival Cruise Lines before studying under jazz guitar greats like Mark Whitfield, Peter Bernstein, and the late Jack Wilkins.
In 2016, Knight relocated to Chicago, where he dove into the local jazz scene. He also became involved in the community, creating the popular "Jazz in the Yard" event during the Covid-19 lockdown, which is now in its sixth season, attracting hundreds of attendees each week.
Joining Knight on For Years Gone are bassist Justin Peterson, a Las Vegas native who also played on Persistence, and drummer Linard Stroud, both established names on the Chicago jazz scene.
The album opens with “Lure,” a blues composition that Knight penned for the record. He explains, “The blues is where all jazz comes from. It’s not easy to write a great blues, but I wanted to lure the listener in with this composition, using different chords to create melodic tension.”
Another highlight is his rendition of “Pure Imagination,” a beloved ballad Knight has performed for years. He appreciates how the song’s unexpected phrases and key changes make it an ideal vehicle for jazz.
Knight pays homage to jazz legend Roy Haynes with his original composition “Cracklin’,” while his take on Pat Martino’s “Colossus” delivers high-energy, intense playing. For a more introspective moment, the title track, “For Years Gone,” was written in memory of his late mother.
The album also features “Kothbiro,” a haunting African song by Kenyan musician Ayub Ogada, which Knight discovered in the film The Constant Gardener. Another standout is his reimagining of George Harrison’s “Something,” which he transforms into a unique jazz piece by playing the iconic intro in 7/4 time.
Knight’s version of Joni Mitchell’s “Urge for Going” captures the song's powerful lyrics, creating two distinct solo sections that reflect the metaphorical and meteorological journey of the seasons.
He also revisits two jazz classics: Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman’s “7 Come 11,” which he updates with a funky twist, and “In a Sentimental Mood,” which Knight reinterprets as an uptempo burner, inspired by Ed Cherry’s organ trio version.
On For Years Gone, Steve Knight’s focus is on melody, groove, and storytelling through his guitar playing, never overwhelming the listener with unnecessary technical displays. Supported by a group of like-minded musicians, this album is a testament to Knight’s mastery of both original compositions and reinterpretations of well-known jazz and pop standards.
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