American composer, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and producer Kurt Rosenwinkel is one of the most celebrated musical voices in jazz and is widely renowned as one of the most distinctive and gifted guitarists to have ever played the instrument.

The material on The Next Step Band (Live at Smalls 1996) was developed by the band during their frequent gigs at Smalls Jazz Club in New York City. The club's owner Mitch Borden recalled, "Kurt Rosenwinkel's band played with such dramatic fire that it would consume everyone present."

1. A Shifting Design
2. Use of Light
3. Zhivago, feat. Brad Mehldau
4. Alpha Mega
5. A Life Unfolds
6. The Next Step

Kurt Rosenwinkel – Guitar, Piano on The Next Step
Mark Turner – Tenor Saxophone
Jeff Ballard – Drums
Ben Street – Acoustic Bass
Brad Mehldau – Piano on Zhivago

All compositions by Kurt Rosenwinkel

Recorded at Smalls Jazz Club, New York, 1996
Recorded by Zeke Zima
Mastered by The Jazz Bakery
Graphic design by Vojta Drnek
Production coordinator Michaela Bóková
released on Heartcore Records, Berlin 2024

www.kurtrosenwinkel.com

Thanks to Mitch Borden, Spike Wilner, and everyone who supported us and the scene through the years at Smalls.