Album lore

A New Chapter, issued in May 2023 on Vahagn Stepanyan’s own imprint, gathers eight tracks that thread through jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and funk. Stepanyan enlists a cadre of notable collaborators: saxophonist Dave Koz appears on “Synergy,” guitarist Mark Lettieri on “Without Limits,” bassist Ida Nielsen on “Motion,” and guitarists Greg Howe and Philip Lassiter join forces on “Gravity.” The album’s sessions reflect a polished yet organic approach to jazz funk, with Stepanyan’s keyboard work front and center.The record balances intricate grooves and melodic accessibility, evident in tracks like “So Good” with drummer Eric Moore and the mid-tempo pulse of “Revolution.” Though its reach is modest—just over 1,400 listeners on Last.fm—A New Chapter situates itself within a lineage of contemporary fusion that values collaboration and studio craft. This collection will appeal to those who appreciate nuanced arrangements and the interplay of seasoned session players.

Album lore

A New Chapter, issued in May 2023 on Vahagn Stepanyan’s own imprint, gathers eight tracks that thread through jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and funk. Stepanyan enlists a cadre of notable collaborators: saxophonist Dave Koz appears on “Synergy,” guitarist Mark Lettieri on “Without Limits,” bassist Ida Nielsen on “Motion,” and guitarists Greg Howe and Philip Lassiter join forces on “Gravity.” The album’s sessions reflect a polished yet organic approach to jazz funk, with Stepanyan’s keyboard work front and center.The record balances intricate grooves and melodic accessibility, evident in tracks like “So Good” with drummer Eric Moore and the mid-tempo pulse of “Revolution.” Though its reach is modest—just over 1,400 listeners on Last.fm—A New Chapter situates itself within a lineage of contemporary fusion that values collaboration and studio craft. This collection will appeal to those who appreciate nuanced arrangements and the interplay of seasoned session players.