In his early teens, Kuhn studied with legendary teacher Margaret Chaloff who schooled him in the “Russian Technique”, an invaluable tool for tone production and projection. Chaloff’s son, Serge Chaloff, baritone saxophonist for Woody Herman, hired the 13 year-old pianist to play in his group. Throughout his teens Kuhn continued to play in Boston jazz clubs with, amongst other visiting celebrities, Coleman Hawkins, Chet Baker and Vic Dickenson.
After graduation from Harvard College, Kuhn attended the Lenox School of Music where he recorded with Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry. The faculty included Bill Evans, George Russell, and Gunther Schuller. While at Lenox, Kuhn met trumpeter Kenny Dorham and began a two-year stint, interrupted when Kuhn was asked to join John Coltrane’s newly-formed quartet.
Kuhn next joined Stan Getz’s band, which included bassist Scott LaFaro. After a period with Art Farmer, he formed the first Steve Kuhn Trio, with drummer Pete LaRoca and bassist Steve Swallow. At the end of the 1960s he spent four years living in Europe, where his performance had a significant impact upon local players. Upon returning to the United States, Kuhn began his long-term affiliation with ECM, resulting in a string of important albums including “Trance”, “Ecstasy”, “Non-Fiction” and the collaborations with Sheila Jordan, “Playground” and “Last Year’s Waltz”.
In the mid-80’s, Kuhn co-founded the popular All Star Trio, with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster, and launched a new, and still evolving, edition of his trio with bassist David Finck – drummers for the latter have included Joey Baron (as on the ECM recording “Remembering Tomorrow”), Lewis Nash and Billy Drummond. He continues to tour widely, with a strong following in Europe and, especially, Japan where his albums frequently appear in the jazz charts.
When Lights Are Low
Steve Kuhn Lyrics
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Blending in a soft and sweet refrain
As around the floor, dear, we are dancing
Swaying to a fascinating strain
Sweet music soft and mellow
Soothing and slow
Strains of a mellow 'cello
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Why think about the weather
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration, in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Love's all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low
Listen how happy hearts are beating
Like the ocean beats upon the sand
And our feet in rhythm keep repeating
Ev'ry little movement of the band
Sweet music soft and mellow
Soothing and slow
Strains of a mellow 'cello
When lights are low
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Why think about the weather
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration, in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Love's all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low
"When Lights Are Low" is a romantic and enchanting song that captures the joy and intimacy of being in love. The lyrics describe a couple dancing together, being swept away by the melodic and captivating music. The melody itself is described as soft and sweet, creating a soothing and mellow ambiance. The lyrics suggest that when the lights are low, the atmosphere becomes conducive to expressing and experiencing deep emotions.
The song emphasizes the close connection between the two individuals, with the repetition of "Dear, we're so close together, I love you so." This line emphasizes the intensity of their love and the deep bond they share. The lyrics encourage the couple to focus on their love and each other instead of worrying about external factors, such as the weather. The phrase "Why think about the weather when lights are low" suggests that in this moment, their love is the most important thing, and the outside world fades away.
The lyrics also touch upon the magical and captivating power of music. The strains of a mellow cello create a soothing and slow rhythm that entices and entrances the couple. The music is described as charming and inspiring, adding to the overall enchantment of the moment. The lyrics convey the idea that music has the ability to bring people closer, heighten emotions, and create a sense of profound connection.
The final verse of the song portrays the physical and emotional intimacy of the couple. Their lips meet softly and tenderly, their love illuminated and radiant. The line "Why shouldn't we surrender when lights are low" suggests that in this intimate setting, there are no reasons to hold back or hesitate. It encourages the couple to fully embrace their love and let go of any inhibitions. The song ultimately celebrates the joy, beauty, and surrender that comes with being in love when the lights are low.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen to the melody entrancing
Pay attention to the captivating tune
Blending in a soft and sweet refrain
Mixing harmoniously with a gentle and pleasant melody
As around the floor, dear, we are dancing
While we move gracefully on the dance floor, my love
Swaying to a fascinating strain
Moving back and forth to an enchanting musical pattern
Sweet music soft and mellow
Delightful music, gentle and smooth
Soothing and slow
Calming and unhurried
Strains of a mellow 'cello
Melodies played by a melodious cello
When lights are low
In the dim light
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
My darling, we are intimately close, and I adore you deeply
Why think about the weather
Why concern ourselves with the climate
When lights are low
In the dim light
Two hearts revealing
Two souls expressing their true feelings
Music hath charms
Music possesses enchanting qualities
Life's so appealing
Existence is incredibly enticing
With inspiration, in your arms
Finding inspiration while being embraced by you
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Our mouths touching gently and affectionately
Love's all aglow
Love is radiant and illuminated
Why shouldn't we surrender
Why should we not give in completely
When lights are low
In the dim light
Listen how happy hearts are beating
Observe the joyful pulsations of our hearts
Like the ocean beats upon the sand
Similar to the rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore
And our feet in rhythm keep repeating
And our feet continue to move in a repeated rhythm
Ev'ry little movement of the band
Every small motion made by the band
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Benny Carter, Spencer Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind