I just want to say a word (or two-hundred and ninety) about my 2012 EP In the Dark of the City. Recorded under my former name: Helicopter Steve. It’s a collection of 5 songs that each present a different picture of urban life. The title song was influenced by David Bowie’s song “Heroes” as well as my interest in Cold War era history. Don’t get me wrong, I am not implying that I am at David Bowie’s level as a recording artist, I just love his iconic use of the Berlin Wall as a motif for human relationship and adapted it to my own song as a bit of a tribute.  “In the Dark of the City” is about two lovers who are spies for opposing sides and details what goes through their minds as the wall is coming down. It is the best song on the cd in my opinion. The middle three songs are word paintings, conjuring up images of real and imagined events. These songs are of varying degrees of quality, but I’ll let you decide.  The last song “What is the Reason” is more representative of the inner state of a city dweller, in this case, myself. “What is the Reason,” is my second favorite song on the cd and it makes for a somewhat poignant ending. In the Dark of the City is not a perfect collection, but it is representative of its time as regard to my ability to reach within myself and create. As a classic late-bloomer, my songs are of a much more consistent quality – emotionally and otherwise – these days. Still, I encourage all to pick up a copy of this one either via download or hard copy (where you get the cool cover). http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/helicoptersteve

InTheDarkOfTheCity

Hi folks, just to update you, we are still working out the “mechanism” by which I will be sending you your free song. I jumped the gun as far as having you sign up, but it’s very close. I hope you all had a great weekend!

As I recuperate from double hernia surgery I have been chilling to some music. Yesterday it was Muddy Waters’ Hoochie Coochie Man and Alice in Chains’ Unplugged. One might not normally connect these two, but it’s instructive to hear musicians of all stripes truly listen to each other. No wankery, no pretense, just intense, emotional playing. It’s that sort of thing that can really draw a listener in. Music can be many things: busy, stimulating energizing, relaxing, contemplative, empowering, but if there is no true awareness – whether its a solo artist like myself, or an ensemble – then it holds no real meaning. I am working to create this quality in my own music, whether performing or writing. Because that is the end in itself, that is what determines success in art.