Reviews
BassNotes: Acoustic's New World Order
"I've always wanted to be able to solo like an alto sax player," says Steve LaSpina. "I thought of the bass as a horn and refused to be limited by its size." A melodic bassist with excellent chops, Steve revels in complex lines and adventurous note choices-check his solo on the radical reworking of "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" on The Road Ahead
— Harvey Pekar
Bass Player Magazine
Real Jazz
"Fans familiar with Steve LaSpina the purveyor of bass rhythms for Marian McPartland, Jim Hall and Ira Sullivan won't be disappointed by "The Road Ahead."
— Russ Neff
Upright Citizen Of Bassdom
He doesn't look like your typical jazz aficionado.
— Global Bass Magazine Online
Jazz Times Interview
The formidable presence of Charles Mingus looms large over The Bounce (Steeplechase), bassist Steve LaSpina's eight adventurous release as a leader.
— Bill Milkowski
Jazz Times
Remember When
There can be something very special about a bassist-led session. Perhaps it is their knowledge of both time and melody that, when coupled with the rich emotional sound of their instrument, results in some of the most creative jazz. On all these counts, Steve LaSpina's Remember When, makes its mark.
— By Elliott Simon
All AboutJazz-New York
Remember When Steeplechase records
A dependable fixture in the Steeplechase stable, Steve LaSpina has contributed his anchoring bass sound to a variety of projects. Sadly his fourth recording as a leader comes in the tragic wake of the loss of his son.
— By Derek Taylor
All AboutJazz-New York
Steve Laspina: Play Room
On its face, Play Room is a solid, enjoyable record. But when you realize what LaSpina has been through, you hear it as an exceptional piece of work.
— Steve Greenlee
Jazz Times
Cd Review Jazztips, Germany
He is respected as a fast-finger master-instrumentalist in the tradition of Scott LaFaro and Gary Peacock.
— Juerg Sommer
Drori Mondlak- Point in Time
LaSpina's fluidity and strength are important to the success of this music.
— Doug Ramsey
Arts Journal
Jim Hall at the Library of Congress
In the Coolidge Auditorium, on the ground floor of the Library of Congress, Alan Lomax recorded Jelly Roll Morton’s reminiscences in 1938. Even seven decades later, it is surely daunting for jazz musicians to perform on that history-making spot. But if Jim Hall was intimidated last Friday night, he never let on; the legendary guitarist seemed comfortable as could be, and his trio-mates (bassist Steve LaSpina, drummer Joey Baron) exuded pure joy throughout their delightful and revelatory performance.
New York Times Review of Jim Hall at Birdland 11/2009
The Guitarist Jim Hall imbues his music with a deep companionable rightness
— Nate Chinen
New York Times