Steve Fell is a guitarist, composer, and educator whose performing and recording career over the last twenty five years has reached across the boundaries of jazz, experimental, funk, free form improvisation, rock, electronic, reggae/calypso, hip-hop, psych, and many others.
He co-leads the groups Clear Audience, Quantum Banditos, Dome Room, and Astronomico, leads a trio under his own name, and collaborates with numerous bands and artists.
“This quartet (Clear Audience) can assay rockist thump alongside supple swing without breaking the mood or flow of musical conversation. Guitarist Steve Fell can float with Jim Hall-like articulation and tone, sprinkle electronic oscillations, or bust out splintered declamatory runs. The band is rounded out by saxophonist Andy Voelker, bassist Jef Charland, and drummer Luther Gray.”– Jon Garelick, The Arts Fuse 2016
Since forming in 2005, Clear Audience — comprising saxophonist Andy Voelker, guitarist Steve Fell, bassist Jef Charland, and drummer Luther Gray — has been among the most engaging and rewarding of Boston-based jazz aggregations. Its music ranges from the meditative to the supremely swinging, and its recent album, “Medicine Ball,” was included among the Globe’s Best Local Albums of 2015. - Boston Globe
CLEAR AUDIENCE "Medicine Ball"
This was the first new CD in seven years by this quartet of veteran Boston players: guitarist Steve Fell (who also wrote most of the tunes), saxophonist Andy Voelker, bassist Jef Charland, and drummer Luther Gray. They match the verities of jazz swing and assuring song forms with a taste for formal and sonic experiments. At their best, Fell and Voelker phrase with precise abandon as they ride Charland and Gray’s deathless grooves. - Jon Garelick, Boston Globe
“(Clear Audience) Four of the best young jazz musicians in town…” - John Garelick, Boston Phoenix 2009
“…cerebral, lyrical, and adventurous musical explorations.” - Kevin Lowenthal, Boston Globe 2009