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Charleston Daily Mail, June 2, 2005

By Mary Childress

(excerpt from article concerning the event, Symphony Sunday, in the go! section)

Sunday: Band offers up jazz, blues, mix of styles

"The Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature the jazz sounds of Charleston's own Blue Notes.

The group is a trio featuring a Hammond organ, guitar and drums that will offer up jazz and blues in the style of the great organ trios led by Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff.

The Blue Notes musicians are McDonald Cary, the heart and soul of the group and the master of the Hammond.

"Mac, as he is known, lugs around this massive, 500-pound Hammond along with a like amount of amplification equipment," said Blue Notes founder Steve Himes.

Himes plays guitar, and Chris Hudson keeps the rhythm going on drums.

The group's play list also includes Brazilian, funk, hip-hop and other styles.

Himes and Cary formerly played together for about a year in the early 1990's.  Himes and Hudson have been together for about 10 years.  All three also play with other groups, and Himes and Cary play the solo circuit.

"Hudson can play any style on the drums with ease," Himes said. "Whether it's a shuffle, swing, funk or any other rhythm, his technique helps move the music to greater heights.

"With Mac," Himes continued, "he is the complete player who is able to cover bass lines, chords and melody simultaneously."

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Graffiti is a state-wide publication which, among other things, promotes and reviews the arts in West Virginia. 

Graffiti    April, 2007

April 6

Jazz guitarist Steve Himes of Charleston will perform at the Taylor Books Cafe as he solos for an afternoon of great jazz music.  Whether Himes is performing as the driving force in the band, The Blue Notes, or as a leader of the Steve Himes Connection or as a solo act, you won't be disappointed.

Graffiti    January, 2002

Charleston Noize

By HR Toney

(Review of a solo session at Taylor Books, Charleston, WV)

"Taylor's impressed me and I was back...to partake of a scone and Steve Himes.  I kept looking for the rest of the band - the sound was too dynamic, too textured and deep to come from just one man.  How does he do it?  I don't know, but it's pretty cool.  I've been told Mr. Himes plays his unique brand of folk-inspired blues 'round here on a regular basis - check it out, he's well worth the time."

Graffiti    February, 2001

Charleston Noize

By Jay Neil

(Review of KanawhaPalooza show on January 20, 2001, where the group was incorrectly billed as the "Steve Himes Project".)

"Since KanawhaPalooza is a 'local and regional' showcase of original music, Stevie followed suit.  I de-clare, his stuff was tasty as tasty could be -- with newbie veterans like (Deron) Sodaro, drummer Chris Hudson and ever-present saxman, Jason Gay, in the lineup, you can't help but be pretty darn good.  A groovy tune labeled "Jaywalk" was my fave.  The set went by in the blink of an eye,...but The Project was in the zone, I tell you."

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