Steve Kimock is a self-taught innovator who has been playing for over 25 years. From a young age he was a disciplined musician often practicing over eight hours a day. Today he is a well respected guitar genius. He is also well know for innovations in guitar, amplification and speaker design. Kimock continues to explore new styles of rhythm, pitch and melody. Steve's influences are far reaching from jazz great John Coltrane to rock legend Jimi Hendrix. His unique sound is a magical blend of varied genres and improvisational jams. Steve's music has been described as "dynamic in tone and ranges from tender melodies to heroic anthems." He is a passionate player bringing years of experience and innovation to his music.

Kimock is a passionate player bringing years of experience and innovation to his music.

Steve tours regularly with the Steve Kimock Band but also plays with other groups. Please visit his website at www.kimock.com for a complete list of gigs and dates. Kweevak saw the Steve Kimock Band at the newly redesigned Mexicali Blues Cafe. Steve played at the Teaneck, New Jersey venue on October 17 and 18, 2003.

Mexicali Blues' much anticipated re-opening was well worth the wait. The biggest change from the old location to the new is the restaurant section is much smaller. Two levels of dining are located at the back of the venue for people to enjoy tasty Mexican food and still see the stage. The emphasis at the new cafe is now music. There is a big open floor in front of the stage providing plenty of room for listening and dancing. The midnight blue room is both spacious and intimate. The sound system and acoustics are impressive. To check out up coming shows at Mexicali Blue go to www.createavibe.com.

Mexicali Blues' much anticipated re-opening was well worth the wait!

The stage was packed with gear such as vintage amps, sound effect boxes and of course plenty of guitars including a steel electric configuration. The crowd at the venue was a mix of young and older fans all anticipating a great night of eclectic jam music, which is exactly what they got during the two set evening.

Mr. Kimock is astonishing by himself but the band takes the music to an even higher level. He is joined by three other multi-talented musicians. Rodney Holmes on drums is a Grammy award winner whose multiple beats create danceable mesmerizing sounds. Mitch Stein, the rhythm and also a lead guitarist, brings innovations and depth to the jams. He is able to combine various techniques to create singular sounds. At one point he is working the whah-whah pedal and strumming the strings with his hand coming over the fret rather than underneath. Arne Livingston on bass brings his own unique style and flair to the band. Arne is the newest member of the group but he blends in perfectly.

Steve is amazing to watch, his fingers fly and flow over the fret. He is well versed in various techniques, subtle effects and textures. Kimock appears to go into his own zone. Steve's eyes are closed throughout a good deal of the show. He looks very serious and intent on the music but an occasional slight smile will light up his face. It is up to the band to watch Steve to see which direction the jams will take. They are skilled at interpreting and the SKB leads the audience on a musical odyssey with assorted tempos, moods and skilled musicianship.

It is a little hard to say how many songs the Steve Kimock Band played during their first set as the music melds from one groove to the next. The first song was mellow and dreamy, it then moved into a faster pace with drummer Rodney Holmes leading the way. As the tempo increased, Steve snaps off the capo from his Fender for more heavy rifts. A little later the band moves into a snappy number that had an almost island vibe ebbing into an extensive jam and eventually returning to the island chords. It was a fantastic musical journey!

Steve is well know for innovations with tone and from a box on top of the amps, a slightly techno sound came forth as the band overlayed their own touches. During this instrumental Mr. Kimock use a method to hold a note while using a circular motion on the fret to create unusual sounds. This and many other stylings were to be viewed and heard through a varied explosive set.

It has been written that "Steve Kimock is considered by many to be a true master of the modern guitar."

After seeing him live at Mexicali Blues and thanks to Create A Vibe, it is apparent why. He is a dynamic player working with other musicians who have also mastered the art of improvisational music. As a band they are dynamic and a must see!

The Steve Kimock Band are dynamic and a must see!

Related Links: For more information on Steve Kimock and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Steve Kimock Official Site | mexicalilive.com | Create A Vibe

(Originally Published on October 19, 2003)