Another great review from German music magazine

Rock times Germany

Nick Steed from Colosseum and Optimystik Visionaries released its new album "Influential Guidance" at the beginning of fall 2023. brought onto the market.
The album contains a collection of songs and styles that reflect Nick's playing and writing style over the years - he grew up in the 70s and 80s - influenced him and made him the musician he is now. "Influential Guidance" was with »[…] fellow band musicians from both bands Clem Clempson/Kim Nishikawara (Colosseum), Greg Morgan (Dare/Optimystik Visionaries), John Sandham (Optimystik Visionaries), Peter Mason (Nick Steed 5), Steve Gibson (Sad Cafe, Norman Beaker) and returning special guest who performed on his Latest Optimystik Visionaries album Lenny Castro (Toto, John Mayer, Steve Gadd) also featuring Mike Smith and Jamie Brownfield on Trumpet (The Air horns) […]« recorded.
If "Influential Guidance" When it comes to the already mentioned influences of Nick Steed, then they focus on Steely Dan as well as Toto.
Outstanding musicians make outstanding music here, resulting in a total playing time of thirty-seven minutes.
With a focus on jazz and rock with a sometimes light blues tone, the songs put people in front of the speakers in a lounge, around midnight, when you're looking forward to high-class and relaxed music.
The choir singing was perfectly staged. Here too you can draw parallels to Steely Dan. In addition to the guitars, especially in the solo situations, The Airhorns with the saxophonist Mike Smith provide care and trumpeter Jamie Brownfield on many songs for special moments. In one breath, of course, Nick Steed on the keyboards is the focus of the songs. He is a virtuoso on the black and white keys and incorporates great sound effects into his playing. You'll be happy about lots of Hammond and piano sounds. Excellent. In addition, he can convince with his voice.
That brass section again and again.
They leave a really strong impression and when Lenny Castro is out and about with his hand drums, he is always present with a great sound. He gives the songs in which he appears a special kick.
A big compliment also goes to the guitar department with Clem Clempson and Peter Mason, which appears in the relaxed "Take Your Chance" gives his business card.
What should be emphasized - in a positive sense - is the catchiness of the song.
"Influential Guidance" is an album that has a multitude of strengths and is perfect for staying in your player as a long-term runner.
There are so many moments that add to the enjoyment of this album.
Nick Steeds "Influential Guidance" is outstanding music.
Nick Steeds "Influential Guidance" is a special kind of pleasure from start to finish.
Nick Steeds "Influential Guidance" occupies a special place in this year's albums reviewed.
A sequel should be considered.
Stay healthy and take time for good music to distract yourself.

Review of New album in 'BluesMatters' Magazine

NICK STEED
INFLUENCIAL GUIDANCE

Nick Steed’s newest release follows his illustrious tenure as the Master of Keys at the Colosseum band for three years. These eight tracks are nothing short of a musical revelation. Steeped in the rich traditions of jazz, rock with a defined blues infused tone, Steed's album echoes the brilliance of legends like Toto and Steely Dan. What sets this record apart is his ingenious songwriting ability, evident in tracks like Yesterday’s Blues, which effortlessly transports listeners to a nostalgic Blue Note corner of a night club full of ambience and atmosphere. His vocals are crystal clear, complemented by his self-created backing vocals that astoundingly mimic a choir of three, a masterful innovative moment. The addition of percussionist Lenny Castro, famed for his work with Toto and Clapton, further solidifies the album's authenticity. The ensemble's synergy is palpable; Mike Smith and Jamie Brownfield's warm horn section, along with the rhythmic mastery of drummers Greg Morgan and Steve Gibson, create a harmonious backdrop. Steed's choice of collaborators for solo performances is a work of genius, with Clem Clempson and Kim Nishikawara delivering exceptional guitar and saxophone solos, respectively. Tracks like Luckless Pedestrian showcase intricate shuffles, demonstrating Steed's musical finesse. Moreover, the album achieves heights of catchiness, exemplified by Things You Said I Would and the poignant Suzie, a tale of someone destined for greatness. This is a masterclass in musicality, a testament to his artistry, and a promise of even greater things to come.
COLIN CAMPBELL

Review of new album 'Influential Guidance'

Great review of my latest album 'Influential Guidance' in top German music magazine 'Good Times' this week by Uli Twelker.

NICK STEED

INFLUENCIAL GUIDANCE

Master of keys with Colosseum for three years now, Nick Steed’s reputation was founded on jazz rockers Optimystik Visionaries – in their stylistics, his solo debut truly impresses. The fact that Steed flourishes in the orbit of Toto and Steely Dan gets hit home further by hiring their percussionist Lenny Castro. And it’s truly filled with Steed’ s sophisticated song ideas: “Yesterday’s Blues“ lures us into a nostalgic atmosphere by “standing on the corner of Blue Note“. All of this is characterized by Steed‘s clear voice und self-created backing vocal work, where you think you’re listening to at least three ladies. Background is provided by the warm horn section of Mike Smith and Jamie Brownfield ; drummers Greg Morgan and Steve Gibson follow each riff as if hypnotized. The skillful pianist picked evenly matched sparring partners for solo masterworks from his main band: Clem Clempson & Kim Nishikawara feel obviously provoked into achieving top levels on guitar and sax respectively. Heights in catchiness are reached – as well as the elaborate half-time-Shuffle “Luckless Pedestrian“ (the single) – and the beautiful “Suzie“, who is “heading for the big time“! (Playbyhead Records, 8 tracks) utw

Optimystik Visionaries Album Review's

Great review’s of Optimystik Visionaries ‘Return’ album.

Long standing US Prog/fusion online website ‘Sea of Tranquility’
https://youtu.be/QOjs3_5KeQw

UK online jazz magazine ‘Jazz Views’
www.jazzviews.net/optimystik-visionaries---return.html