>>> "Choosn Love" hit me with a wave of nostalgia and energy from the very first beat! The fusion of rock and rap is an exhilarating experience, making it feel like I was taken on a musical journey through time. I love how you’ve blended elements from two iconic genres—it gives the track a distinct and fresh vibe. The energy in the music is so alive, and I was immediately drawn into its groove. It’s obvious that your passion for honoring the greats is genuine, and it flows effortlessly throughout the song.
We're thrilled to spotlight this electrifying fusion on our music blog, as its message of unity and its dynamic genre blend will definitely strike a chord with our readers. Lyrically, the song carries a powerful message about choosing love over division, and that optimism runs consistently through the track. The storytelling feels both personal and universal, making it easy for anyone to relate to, which really resonated with me. The collaboration with other artists added a refreshing dimension, almost like a musical dialogue unfolding in real time. I’m eager to see where this eclectic journey takes you next! Tempo Stub Magazine
>>> [Choosn Love] The pacing is spot-on, allowing the track to build and evolve in a way that feels both natural and deliberate. The use of dynamics is particularly effective, with quiet, introspective moments giving way to powerful climaxes that heighten the emotional impact of the song.
Your vocal performance is exceptional, delivering the lyrics with both precision and feeling. The way your voice interacts with the instrumental elements is particularly striking, adding an extra layer of resonance to the track. The harmonies and vocal layering are skillfully executed, enhancing the emotional depth of the song without overwhelming it.
The production quality is outstanding, with a mix that is both polished and organic. Every element of the track is given its own space within the soundstage, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the intricacies of the arrangement. The use of effects is subtle but effective, adding atmosphere and depth without detracting from the core elements of the song. Showland Productions
>>> Stewards Eclectric’s "Choosn Love" brings a refreshing groove with smooth production and uplifting lyrics. The rhythm is infectious... Kindline Magazine
>>> [Choosn Love] We like the funky organic groove and the soulful vocals. We will share to social media and to our specialized music team to explore any other promotional possibilities. Jamsphere Magazine & Radio Network
>>> [Choosn Love] "Remarkable craftsmanship displayed by an artist of authentic talent." Euphony.com
>>> Choosn Love is a wonderful Eclectic Rock song and I will add it to the list, superior work! Music Victory
>>> [Choosn Love] What an incredible feat, an extraordinary achievement of obvious and unique melodic success. Sung with extraordinary enthusiasm and professionalism, especially very well oriented and organized in its melancholic lyrics. What a magnificent musical marvel. Truly incredible. Congratulations Groove It
>>> [Choosn Love] Hi guys, Really cool song, loved the 80s beat and robotic sound effects, awesome part at 0:42! Will be added to our radio's database... Keep on rockin’! Ze Rock Porto
>>> [Choosn Love] The author's creativity and technique is remarkable! I loved the way the song transforms with each bar. All the best! Central Playlists
>>> [Choosn Love] Impressive work, Stewards! The perfect blend of grit and melody, showcasing rock’s rebellious spirit while staying infectiously catchy... Keep going this way!! Greetings from Rock Al Palo
>>> [Choosn Love] What an amazing song! When the synths hit, it's just fabulous, reminded me of Stevie Wonder. Also, the song has nice mix of genres, from a classic 70's r&b to modern hip hop. Intricate harmonies and melodies give it a great sauce... Edu (Eduardo Pastore)
>>> [Choosn Love] We celebrate artists who resist through music anywhere in the world. The genre...has a wide audience in South America and Argentina. Migration and the cosmopolitan character of the city make it the perfect setting... We want to share your song on our social networks. Hug from Argentina, Latidoamerica
"Coolest Girl on the Floor" REVIEWS from playlist curators, etc.:
"Steve, [Coolest Girl on the Floor] This song is just like the girl it talks about: coolest! Thank you! Cheers, Claude." Poptastic Radio
"A little pop/rock groove... I like the “vintage” side of the composition. The voice is nothing exceptional but it fits perfectly in this title. Special mention for the arrangements!" Music From Belgium
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“We are deeply moved by your song, and it has quickly become a favorite of ours, captivating everyone who hears it. The combination of sounds and overall composition is outstanding. The distinctive style is impressive and truly deserves recognition.” The Hubb
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Q. "I'm a RN who started out as a nurse's aide, and I love "Coolest Girl..." ersherry17
A. Thank you for the love, and for your kind service to humankind. There are several dear ones in my life engaged in your profession. Thanks for writing...
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COMMENT: "hey Stevie heard 'Coolest Girl' on soundcloud only a sick rocker with a bad hard [sic] would make it with a nurse's aide in a hospital bed love u" Jamstone [loyal lissner]
RESPONSE: OK, Jammie. Always fun to hear from you! The song was meant to create the sound and feel of what REAL garage bands sounded like. I know cuz I was there. Some playlisters got it; others got no clue.
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What Playlist Curators said about "Do Ya Wanna Drive?":
KOALA MIX Playlister: (Spotify) “The amazing mood you've created with this song! I am enjoying it, and I'm sure that many people will feel the same as I do! Your vocals sound perfect, your voice is ideal for this style, and it adapts very well to the rest of the sounds. The song's mood is powerful; I can see it played in multiple scenarios. I am listening to this in my car, and it's perfect for this driving mood, but I can also imagine it on a live performance because it is energetic and punchy. ...I will keep listening to your music. Congrats on this impeccable work.”
Showland Productions: (Spotify) “…The songwriting showcases a remarkable finesse, displaying a mature understanding of pacing and cadence. The melodic journey you take us on is a delight to the senses. The smooth and mellow instrumentation perfectly complements the soulful vocals, creating an atmosphere that washes over us like a gentle, warm breeze. It's evident that great care was taken to ensure the song's flow is flawless, allowing each element to harmonize seamlessly. This is tailor-made for the silver screen or television, as it possesses a cinematic quality that could elevate any scene it accompanies. The emotional depth conveyed through the music is simply captivating, making it easy for audiences to become emotionally invested in the story being told.”
POP CORN: (Spotify) "This piece of music is a calm and beautiful pop song. The melody is generally pleasant and has a soothing quality. The singer's voice is also very beautiful and sings with a gentle and affectionate tone. The background music is also excellent overall and interacts well with the singer's voice. In conclusion, this piece is enjoyable and worth listening to from start to finish."
TOP HITS OF 2023: (Spotify) "It was universal music. The lyrics are really meaningful. This music was very enjoyable and listenable. I enjoyed every second of this music. The rhythm of the music was exciting. The melody and rhythm were excellent and attractive. I will definitely add this beautiful music to my playlist."
RickysDailyBangers: “A rolling slice of Americana with some intriguing touches…”
MrLndr: "…Have to say the song is very interesting, and appealing. …Love the engine vibe on the pre chorus! It has a Dire Strait vibe overall that I like."
Copperstone: "Decent retro rock feel. Song is eclectic in the right ways and has a good energy. ...We look forward to hearing more!"
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Q. Hey Steward, You admit yer all over the map which is cool but I like your country and rockabilly fusion stuff like Gone To Richard's and Frackin’ Hoedown. Love the hay song, especially when we're cutting or raking. Curious if you have a favorite country artist? Squarebaler70
Thank you for good words, Squarebaler. Yeah, as an independent musician, I'm really rakin' in in, too. When I first gathered components for this Eclectric consortium, I kept hearing John Cleese from Monty Python days saying, "And now for something completely different". Almost 10 years down the road, we've developed some favorite genre bases, but are still messing around, hybridizing them and going off into new areas. As for your question, I'd have to say:
A. Marty Stuart. He lays claim to being a country artist, (rightfully so), but he’s first and foremost a musician - so damn the genres. Consider that he had soul man Sam Moore on his TV show, complete with backing horn section. (Would not have happened on Porter Waggoner's show.) And nobody but nobody plays mandolin like Marty S. Case in point: on one show, he and his excellent band did a version of Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream”. (I had to laugh when he introduced it being from Tom Petty and the 'Heartbreaker Boys’, like something from a Blues Brothers movie.) Out of all the NOT-country-sounding tunes from TP, this is near the top of the list, and Stuart’s rock and roll mandolin playing on it is freakin’ outrageous. Catch this if you can; it's episode 202 with Melba Montgomery from 2-1-14. But for a more conventional approach, I'd list Vince Gill as a close second, and there's a lot of great country artists. I make no claim to be one of them, I just love playing the instruments. Thanks for writing.
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A fellow Cornellian and friend, Dr. R. S. (and excellent guitar player in his own right) offered the following after we posted new old Headwind photos and artwork in PHOTO/ART GALLERY: Comment: “Nice to see all your artwork and those ancient photos cleaned up so well. Yes, Headwind wasn’t around for long, but I still carry those memories… My friends know about my musical background and I am very proud of that and my history with Headwind. In fact, when people ask me what happened to my band mates, I always mention you and your success playing for years with Chuck Berry, one of the greatest rockers in history!! They are always impressed… ‘Wow, I guess you were pretty good if that guy was in your band’, they say. I nod." [I know people] "...in St. Louis and I am there frequently. You can’t go anywhere there without knowing it’s where Chuck grew up. Chuck’s statue is awesome!"
"One thing I remember was the first time I heard you guys play in the lounge of your dorm.” [Cornell, University Hall 4] A mutual friend “took me over there… he said you guys were playing and we could check it out. I remember vividly you were practicing “ Country Girl” and how great it sounded. I was thinking to myself how great it would be if I could get into a band like Headwind. I can’t exactly recall how the “Southern Man” thing got going, but I remember jamming with the band and then you were inviting me to play that song as a “guest guitarist” at your shows. And then I recall that I was in the band and intensely rehearsing 20 songs for a gig at the North Forty! It’s sort of a blur after that.”
Responding: Yours truly and I’m sure everyone else in that later version of the band remember you well, recalling your 1970 Les Paul Custom in cherry sunburst, and how well you played it. I recognize the syndrome: Join the band; get the blur. Thanks large for writing.
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From a TEXT: "STEWARD A FRIEND SHARED NUDDER REVOLUTION . IT IS CORRECT ON ALL COUNTS - SAME WITH BACKSTORY." [See SONG INFO] "THANKS. DC719"
A. Yes, it is accurate. Thank you for listening ~ and reading ~ and caring.
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Q. "Why do you always show a UFO hovering somewhere"? from Foolonthehill
A. Well, Fool, artists traditionally try to show what they perceive to be the truth. Some may see the UFO as an icon of the truth ~ and 'We, the People' have been denied that. The 70-plus year cover-up goes on...
That's what "Nudder Revolution" was about ~ released in observance of the US and French Independence Days, (revolting as the original reasons were). American Founding Fathers believed in ‘the plurality of worlds’. Still, a lot of the Earth born-and-bred have kept their blinders on. I hope more individuals and groups come up to speed, or they'll be blind-sided when the large UFO hits the fan. On last count, humans have encountered over 60 different alien species. (!) And powers that be are still trying to publicly sweep them under the rug.
It's no good to get caught up in fear or anger, even though many have given their all – or had it taken from them – for the sake of this truth. Some EBENs are here to help us, some only help themselves. I imagine it's like that all across the galaxy. Ultimately, the truth will out. We get help from those who really ARE our Star Friends. They DO exist, brothers and sisters ~ or we wouldn't still be here. That's why we always show a UFO hovering somewhere.
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Comment: JohJoh wrote: I like the guitar on the cover. ["Nudder Revolution"] Looks like a National!
A. A 'National'. Uh-huh... Good one. [For the non-guitar player, the reference is to the National/Dobro guitar company, makers of stringed instruments including resonator guitars. You've seen 'em; looks like they have a big chrome hubcab on top.] I'm calling my solid-body version the Americaster. A player's possible review: "Like the smaller 13-state acoustic model strummed by our Founding Fathers, it's a complicated and interesting design – but occasionally out of balance, and often hard to keep in tune." Much like the country, huh? NOTE: Left hand model not available... (Wonder why?)
> >> SE freebie merch bundle to anyone correctly reporting the exact headstock logo. [CONTEST CLOSED. THE ANSWER WAS: "Sender".] <<<
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Follow-up: "I got it! The headstock says "Sender" instead of Fender ! JohJoh
A. That is correct! Text or email your physical address for the merch bundle. Thanks for playing 'Catch That Headstock Logo'. Uncle Leo is either rolling or laughing - or both. Whichever, it's gotta beat fixing radios...
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Comment: Steve - Just after midnight one night I came across an old R-to-R tape of the [so-called] 'Richard songs' and played them. I wanted to call you up and tell you how fine these are. The second one ["Thanks for Stoppin' - Bye"] brought a tear to my eye. Thanks and kudos to you from this station, your friend in all things orange pickups , promo models, cola buds and Zappa, Mike F. alias "Doc".
A. Thanks, Doc. Miss you. Wish you were still stoppin' by.
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Q. Hey Steward. Wuz playing Hay ["Hey Gotta Make Hay"] in the barn pops likes that one. smitty from down the road ask who is it and we told him later his mom says it is sexily explisit did you know that [?] your friend the jamstone
A. I looked into it, Jammie, and you're right. All our regular distributors (Spotify, Pandora, iTunes & Apple music, Deezer, etc.) have the song listed with a big E for 'explicit lyrics'. Here's a bluegrass song about the wholesome American working family farm that says "you bet yer ass" a couple of times. Wow, that's gonna be the downfall of society, huh? Better save that one for late at night when the kids are asleep, right? Ah, well, the so-called music business always was pretty damn silly, and things aren't clearing up any. Apparently they have a bozo robo that picks out certain words, and then calls the song 'explicit'. Now put on your jammies, Jammie (or not!) and go to bed.
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Q. Hello "The Steward". I’m a fan since Gone to Richard’s and I also liked Got Somebody [Gotsome Body]. I take it you are not the same The Steward that is on my 10 year-old daughter’s favorite TV show? Haha. AparentLEE
A. Uh…no. [SE native percussionist Sings Two Bears previously wondered, "what kinda mother would name her son "The"?] But I was informed of this, (and please note: my usage way predates theirs!) So for AparentLEE and others, here is an excerpt from Villains Wiki, a FANDOM TV online Community: ‘The Steward is a major character of the Cartoon Network series, Infinity Train, an octopus-like robot that has many tentacles that she uses as hands and feet. She wears a mask to hide her face …as well as rounds of ammunition stored behind her eyes to shoot at things. Despite her fragile-like appearance, she is immensely strong and agile, shown when she gets violent… She can toss creatures aside with a simple smack and can lift humans effortlessly. She can also use her tentacles to strangle or asphyxiate living beings to death.’ (OK, come to think of it, there may be some similarities.) Thanks for writing; I'm smiling. Tell daughter she is in good with The Steward, and that she and her family will be spared.
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Lissner COMMENT: Friend and past bandmate [Ezra; Headwind] BAM from Hollywood commented on Hay Gotta Make Hay: "This tune is its own genre, Eclectric Country!"
RESPONSE: That's the up side of being an indie producer with an indie band. You do whatever you want whenever you want - 100% creative control. No label or studio telling artists what to do or how to do it. That's why our stuff - and my stuff - is all over the map. We've done rock, rockabilly, country, bluegrass, experimental, psychedelic, hip hop, R&B and something remotely like jazz, various nondescript hybrids in between, and it all goes round and round and round ~ and it comes out here. Thanks for lissning and posting, BAM.
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Lissner COMMENT: We like mostly country rock and bluegrass, new and old timey stuff, and sometimes tie into a few playlists. Enjoyed the Hay piece ["Hey Gotta Make Hay"] when a friend shared it to us, so that brought me to your site. The Mr. does that kind of work same as his friend does. My own favorites were the Fracking songs ["Frackin' Fool and Frackin' Hoedown]" and then I heard the bowling ball rock song. I liked it even more when I read all of the story behind that song, especially what Donna wrote in. Now I understand the ending. Also the big horse thing. ["Gran Caballo"] Just wanted you to know. The Mrs. A
RESPONSE: Thanks very much. You keep us going. ['The Mrs. A' makes reference to various comments about "Gone to Richard's", (scroll down this Q&A page to paragraph beginning "Hi Steve, You have no idea...") as well as that song's brief backstory in SONG INFO.] Everyone here appreciates you taking time to write, Mrs. A. Say 'hay' to the Mr. A for us.
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Lissner COMMENT: Hello Steve. Your old John Lennon Blues piece ["J. Lennon Blues"] is an overachievement in musical expression. As a lifelong resident of NYC who was but blocks away when it happened, no one has ever so captured the emotions, shock, anger, horror and sorrow. And the reverse running followup ["Nonnel J. Blues"] is appropriate, a dark comedy. I think JL would like them, and probably GM [producer George Martin] is smiling as well. ~you can call me your ‘ears in the apple’.
A. You've gone to the core of the apple. A self-criticism of this 40-year old piece might be that it's sappy, but considering the time and circumstance, it was, if nothing else, honest and expressive. Thank you for lissning, and for your comments, ears.
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Q. "My friend shared Someone Shat" [Universe Bubbles No. 5 - now deleted except on the PHOTO/ART GALLERY page] "and dared me to write in. You sure are right about that guy. Someone should take that jerk out and cut off his..." [A reference to Wm. Shatner. Uh, yes, possibly someone should have cut off his contract - anything to get his idiotic mug off the telescreen! Further graphic descriptions from the sender were deleted - Ed.] The writer continues: "Your Q&A, where do you get these [*#!+]-ing people? I decided I am going to hire your artist to paint all the guitars hanging in my [commercial name withheld] ink emporium here in [location withheld], so send contact info immediately. I guess you do music, but I never heard of you. Inkkitty9063"
A. Ah, the old share and dare. OK, we got your take on No. 5, and this is the appropriate additional info: I get them same as Ben Franklin or Groucho Marx did: from the universe. Ya couldn’t pay people to say this kinda stuff, and you're a prime example. As for getting your guitars painted, understand that the artist Ms. Bohn is currently under exclusive contract and cannot accept commissioned work. Also note that the colorization of that one guitar was hers, but the Way Out West design itself - as originally printed on the face of the instrument - would obviously be owned by Gretsch. (Legally, we have copyrighted only our photo of the ax as it now appears.) So I'm returning some clean, sharp needles back to you in hopes that you will put them in an appropriate place...
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Lissner COMMENT: Boss 302 [from TractorByNet] heard the hay tune and sent: "Dang that sounds good and that orange truck ain't bad either."
The Steward: Hey, you're the boss...and thanks.
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Q. This from the obviously-dynamic duo tarzanNjane: "Me and big T did it last night to March No More. It was super ~ and it went on and on! We plan to go there again. Thank you!"
A. That must have been interesting, what with the Army guys marching through every once in a while, and the bugler blowing taps at the finish. I'm happy you enjoyed the lengthy piece. Please come again.
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Q. hey steward cartune website looks home made i’m liken the diffrent music your oldskool bizarro! keep rollin [signed] heartie
A. Aye, me Heartie , that we shall do, the Great Pumpkin, the Grand Piano and Wakan Tanka all willing. Yeah, definitely is homemade ~ and healthy like farmhouse tomato sauce ~ an ongoing design of this lefthanded mind with a little bit o' help from me friends – which is still a valid description of the music, graphic art (and 12-page booklet insert!) in the old Farmhouse Garage Band album, published back when this crazed effort first started in 2010. [That aging CD is still available, I hear, from some distribution sites. Must be like a ‘collectors’ item' by now, huh?] But the music is at the bass of it all. Thanks for the heartfelt text.
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Lissner COMMENT from Musician D, Auburn CA: Stew, LOL ! Just lissened to Hey/Hay ! Excellent lyrical writing and phenom instrumentation. I am blown away. Awesome mix. You don’t take yourself too seriously. Speechless. Can’t say enough about how you keep bluegrass fresh. My emotions went 0-90 in seconds, my thinking stretched with lyrics from Hicksville to infinity. Enjoyed your latest song like i enjoy Handel’s Messiah, Dueling Banjos, Sultans of Swing, and Itchycoo Park, etc. You’re inspiring to many in multiple ways.
My take on your banjo/fiddle chops, (no matter how they came into creation): they are here today for today’s fid-jo players of stature. To take their best to a new and fresh place. Note: they’re not bionic licks, requiring 6 fingers on 3 hands. These licks are humanly traditionally possible. Just that I’ve never heard ‘em done… at all. Earl Scruggs ‘introduced’ his new fresh style called - what else?: ‘Scruggs finger picking style’. It radically changed banjo playin’. I’ve seen Japanese bluegrass bands of great combined abilities, and ‘da banjo guy is doing (what else?) but Scruggs. Kudos on your organic career, equipping these lyrics with grass roots experiencial knowledge. Top Cat cool. Thank God You’re a Country Boy.
Stew RESPONSE: Hey D, Well, I am and I ain't, but I'm gonna stay out of ultralight aircraft no matter what ... Thanks for appreciative words regarding the hay song. (For being speechless, you speak rather well.) We spend time researching, lissning to and studying accomplished players, helping us imagine the part we want to hear on the piece. Then it’s up to us to try to make it happen.
Funny thing is I busted hump to get that song out for my hay guys during 1st cutting. I imagined them playing it good'n loud in the tractors & hauler trucks. When they came back a lot later for a 3rd cut, (we had had lotsa of rain), I asked, “Didja ever listen to my hay makin’ song?”, and Bob said, “No, not yet. I dunno how to work the CD player in the barn.” Well, maybe this winter, I told him. That's the music biz alright... [Backstory in SONG INFO]
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Q. The Steward, Hi. Love "Reworking the Clone " and "Crossing Across ". I read your recent comments about the moon landing, UFOs, etc. with interest, since I am familiar with the whole cover-up scenario...but the ‘entire quote’, as stated, was never on Ancient Aliens or any other show I’ve ever seen. Where does that come from? SkyWARD5
[EDITOR'S NOTE: In From the Director, our home page, Nov./Dec. '21, we posted: ' Neil Armstrong's entire quote from the moon (July 20, 1969) was: "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. The UFOs are watching us as we are walking on the moon." That big clunky glitch we used to hear in the audio just after 'mankind' was your government cutting off the truth. And notice that they have now digitally edited that glitch out. Hmm. Wonder why...]
A. It comes from William Mills Tompkins. Please read his book, “Selected by Extraterrestrials” (CreateSpace Publishing, 2015) - or chapter 28, at least. Perceived to be an amazing child prodigy design genius, he ‘dreamed up’ much of what made the US space program a success, and he also went way beyond that . He was a major contributing member of a way-over-top-secret 'think tank' team at Douglas Aircraft known simply as "Advance Design". He taught Wernher von Braun a few things. Bill Tompkins was there in the control room at the Cape and witnessed that live transmission - both audio AND visual - along with many others. (And note that recently, using modern digital editing, they've removed the big clunky glitch!) I'm happy that you like those instrumentals! Thanks for the SkyWARD5 writing.
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After the previous post, this same writer sent: Q. Hello again Stephen. At your suggestion, I read the Tompkins book. [See Q&A.] Amazing. With such professional credentials and personal reputation on the line, why would he lie? More recently, I listened to your Nudder Revolution, to ALL the lyrics. Surprising in a rock song. So why do you think the UFO thing is still being covered up? Why – as the song asserts – have good people like James Forrestal, JFK, Dorothy Kilgallen and countless others had their lives taken for trying to learn and disclose the truth? Why does it go on, and (LOL) why am I coming to some hayseed indie musician for answers? SkyWARD5
A. I dunno. I have remained independent in areas beyond music, and question most everything I was taught, hence the ‘cypto-historian’ label. I arrived at what is now called the ancient alien theory entirely on my own as a teenager, decades before they coined that phrase and before Eric Von Daniken wrote his first book. Either that or you’re just a nut. As to why the coverup, and why it persists, the answer is so complex.
First off, nobody likes to break in a new pair of shoes. We like what’s comfy. This is not. Originally, I thought it was simply about UFOs, and that facing the reality of aliens would supposedly cause the populace to freak, (without even mentioning that we humans may be but a current crop, seeded, grown and tended by ETs in their experimental garden Earth). Those ideas morphed. Instead of just one unknown ‘alien’ entity, it became clear that there were many different ones – some good (for us), some bad. Then it became clear that large, unregulated corporate, (Ike called this ‘the military/industrial complex’), partnered with self-serving ETs of dark spirit, which produced big power and big greed, and they were loathe to give that up. (I’m convinced of some accuracy in this.) But another reason may be even wider and deeper. I refer to an rather offhanded comment by James Penniston (Staff Sergeant USAF, ret.) near the end of a TV show. [Refer to the Rendlesham Forest incident 12-26-80. He was the one who physically touched external ID glyphs on a landed craft, and received an immediate binary-code brain download which he copied into a small notebook, all ones and zeros; it was deciphered some 30 years later. The message is from the year 8100.] He said, (my best paraphrasing here), that all the time – from his initial experience up to now – he never felt that they [unseen occupants within the craft] were ‘aliens.’ He said "they were us". They were us who had come back in time to correct something that had gone wrong. He added, “Something VERY BAD.” So, believe that or not, maybe there is a time travel factor: How bad is “VERY BAD”? How big is BIG? How to weigh injustices levied against innocent truthseekers and their families against something as huge as the loss of the human race or even the whole blessed planet? Would they have sacrificed themselves for such a cause? These were people with great souls; I think that would have been their choice. What we think selects the thread that manifests. So try to keep a good thought, SkyWARD5; maybe in time that’s all the correcting we need…
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Q. To Steve at Steards Electric [sic] “Your the frackin songs guy. You [have been] promising more country stuff with Chubbie Pickens playin.” "So where is it, buckwheat?" [signed] Smokin Jay
[NOTE: Chubbie Mr. P. - a bona fide character here at the consortium - has been resident SE banjo man since 2017.]
A. Hmmm. OK. Somebody may be pulling somebody's leg here, but I'll play along: Hey, check out the bluegrass haymakin’ song. Yer guy Chubbie is playing on it. So go smoke a jay, pardner!
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Q. What can you tell me about the great drummer Al Heartland? [Unsigned]
A. Upon his crossover, [May 2021], I’m remembering the good times travelling and playing music with my friend and drummer extraordinaire Al Macucci a.k.a Al Heartland. Some of the absolute best live tracks I ever played in the Comstock band occurred with him behind the trap set, all of us benefitting from his impeccable timing, superb touch of stick upon drumhead, ride cymbal and high hat. Other musicians have referred to him as ‘the human metronome’ – a reference to his incredible ability to keep a steady tempo. Yeah, well, a metronome with a lotta technique and a whole lotta soul ! When he and I played together (and we were both ‘on’), he was willing to take chances and go out on a musical limb with me. It was the kind of live-playing fun you can only get away with with the best of musicians. That limb never broke, and at the successful conclusion of one of these excursions, the communicated joy via smiles or outright laughter would have been a good deal at a million bucks.
On semi-local gigs, I'd often ride shotgun with him in his blue Pinto wagon jammed full of our gear, (since others were bothered by his occasional smoking of those dog rockets he bought at Mayer's!) We shared (among other things) a love for Little Feat, Zappa, Sarah Vaughn, model building and homemade pizza. For several years, he was my drummer, and I his bass player, and we'd discuss anything and everything ~ including our speculations about what an infamous Ford Pinto rear end collision explosion might do to the finish on his drum set or my vintage Precision bass ~ and most discussions were accompanied by that trademark Cheshire cat grin of his that could express genuine joy or acerbic sarcasm ~ and sometimes both at the same time. Onward, my friend...
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Nick B. used the quick & easy submission form on the CONTACT/Q&A page to send: "Hello, you are awesome! keep going!" - a comment and wish beautiful in its simplicity and sincerity.
A. Thanks for lissning (and sending), Nick! THESE kinds of genuine comments really do keep us going.
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Mechling sent this after the release of Gotsome Body: "STEWARDS ECLECTRIC, I can't lie this track is on FIREEE!!!..."
A. Always good to hear, but I bet you say that to all the artists ya wanna promote. Of course, your kind words, Mechling, could indeed be genuine, and thank you if they are. But a little research reveals that to be an often-used phrase, copied&pasted from an arsenal of compliments to lift subscription dollars from (so-called) starving artists in return for a bunch of phoney-baloney play numbers, hollow comments and artificial 'likes'. We prefer genuine comments and play counts, (even if it's only a few, thank you), but still give appropriate thanks anyway for your comment, and for reposting it on SoundCloud & sharing to other playlists.
Take note, aspiring artists: the website address offered on the heels of the (above) 'compliment' was just a net thrown into the water – in hopes of catching unsuspecting ones swimming by, exuding talent and ambition, dreaming of monetary success or a way to impress their friends. They will come after you, dangling a carrot to "improve your stats" or they will make the offer "to blow this up for you!" Uh-huh. Get your mama to blow it up. Concentrate on your art, NOT on numerical play counts and disingenuous compliments.
Remember that during the historic gold rushes in California and Alaska, the ones who usually got rich were the outfitters and storekeepers, ready and waiting to sell picks, shovels, pots and pans and canned food to the fortune seekers.
That's where the REAL gold was !
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[From an aspiring young musician:] Hi…it’s Jado. Just heard your song Going to Richards . Your bass playing was great! The whole song was great!
Hey Jado – and it's great to hear from you! I look forward to hearing your music in the future. Thanks for the kind words regarding that song, which got a lot of genuine plays in a short time . Just put the finishing touches on the jukebox song, [Gotsome Body was released 3-17-21], and then will issue another to be billed as hot rod rock. I keep imagining them playing real loud on the jukebox at Richard's Tri-County, but the place burned down in the '90s, so it's gotta be imagination! Have some fun, and keep playing! Like the bard says: "The play's the thing."
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This creative commentary sent from California by 'The Musician Known as D' : Q. "Just heard your website song Dec. 8 ‘80- same date 2020. 40 years possesses a biblical significance as does say, 40 days and 40 nights. It’s the number of testing… Remarkable - it laid aside its Wizard of Oz infrastructural ability to be perfect. Un-famously genius presentation heard spiritually around the world..." Musician D
A. Leaves me almost speechless, except to say thanks, D. You should be writing your own songs, but then: you are.
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[The next several writers refer to the songs Gone to Richard's and Thanks for Stoppin' - Bye, both released 10-15-20.]
Hi Steve! You have no idea what you’ve done for my heart! My name is Donna M. I was a waitress at Richard’s Tri-County Lanes for many, many years. As he was to ALL of us who worked for him and loved him so dearly, Richard was like a brother. We cherished him. It was a very tragic time in our lives when Richard passed. My sister recently made me aware of [your songs] and told me that I could hear Richard’s voice in one of them. I couldn’t believe that I would be able to hear his voice again. I knew it would be emotional to listen…. and it was. It brought me to tears, but I loved it! The clip of his voice in the interview in the song was very brief, but for those of us who know him well, it is evident by his voice the exact scenario of the moment: it was late at night (after the Jack Blake Wednesday night league), and he was drinking OV splits and playing cards. You can hear it in his voice! His happiest place to be! By the way, “The Jack Blake League" was named after another historical event. Jack Blake died on alley 7 during the Wednesday night league. Many of us will never forget the sight of that grief stricken event, which was very hard on Richard. Jack had bowled on that league for many years. The mention of Junior Camel in the songs and of the double rainbow on the day we found out Richard had passed also conjures memories. It is yet another memory that will always be with me. I was at my parents house. Junior had died a few days before. News came to our house that Richard had passed. It was a highly emotional moment. I looked out the window and saw the double rainbow, and out loud I remember saying, “That is Junior and Richard shining down on us!”
Thank you, Steve. It is artists like you that helps local history stay alive. It means so much! “Thank you” isn’t enough for all the work that goes into your art. I hope there is satisfaction for you knowing you have spoken to the hearts of others, and in this case, allowed the people who loved Richard to hear his voice once again and to hear the memories you’ve archived in your lyrics.
A. My Dear Donna, Bless your music-lissnin’, table-waitin’, loving good heart. Speaking for all here, your email made our day and will for days to come. We pour heart and soul into this audio art form, and your words validate the effort more than anything else possibly could. You envision the ‘interview’ scene correctly: it was very late after the season-ending JBWN banquet. Richard & pals were playing poker at a large round table in the southeast corner of the dining room. I had been walking around with a microphone and recorder, but had gotten scant little from others, so I waited until the hand folded and ad libbed that question. I knew his response was gold, so I retreated before anybody got irritated with me, and that one line was the whole interview! Little did I know it would be used this way. Thanks also for the story behind the namesake ABC-accredited league. (Had I kept bowling, I may have met a similar fate!) I recall one Wed. night Mrs. Jack Blake came into the lanes area, watching and talking to Richard amid the general roar of twelve 5-man teams in active competition. Both were standing just behind lane 7. I went over to show respect and briefly say hello; many of the bowlers did, but I never understood the whole backstory, so you have added to the archived history. Yes, the double rainbows… I’ve seen some since, but never like those two that day!
Understand that, in a time where music has been reduced to 3-second soundbites going to and from the commercial, when the download of a song pays less than a dollar, and, if streamed, pays us a fraction of one cent, your words have made us rich. Donna, it is folks like you who listen, appreciate and then actually take time and effort to communicate your thoughts that really keep me going. Whether it’s music, painting, sculpture, acting or dance, it doesn’t qualify as ART until someone hears, sees, or experiences it - and it makes them feel something. Heartfelt thanks for your heartfelt thanks.
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Junior Camel's niece wanted to know about the musicians involved [on those songs], and remembered many good times at both local establishments, especially, of course, when the Camillus family ruled Camels on Main St. in the 'Burg, (going well back to the days of the original Rongovian Embassy). Thanks for getting in touch, Eleanor, and get this: The farmhouse studio recently acquired the long-lost original Camels pool table lamp! We plan to deploy it in the mixdown room.
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Then, a different Donna, Donna U. wrote: Hi Steve! Richard Updike of Richard’s Tri-County Lanes was my brother-in-law and I spent many hours in that establishment! Obviously I have many stories... Both of my children worked there too and love telling their children about what it was like to work for their uncle!! It broke our hearts when he passed, and the demise of his iconic business was almost as heartbreaking. [This burg] has not been the same! Thank you, Steve, for paying homage to Richard’s!
A. Hi Donna! Very happy to hear from you. Yeah, Richard was a class act. As a regular occurrence, he would visit competing establishments, hang at the bar, schmooze with the owner, and buy a round for the house before moving on. The guy cut a big swath.
Some lyrics in the songs were lifted verbatim from life and even from the last time I saw him – the previous ‘Jack Blake’ Wed. night league. Sitting next to him at the bar as patrons thinned, he spoke of the new sound system (that I recently installed). The dining room speakers had already been – shall we say – compromised by application of excessive volume. Then the conversation turned uncharacteristically personal, and we talked of things I had never envisioned discussing with him. And he summed it up by saying ”The time of your life, you can never get it back again... so ya work hard, ya play hard, I’m tellin’ you, an’ ya die payin’ taxes…” and I added “So what else is new?” after which he slapped me on the back, leaving a large handprint for several days.
Another bit of trivia: the ‘bowling ball song’ was actually performed live once at the TCLanes. Having offered to temp sub on bass for a few gigs in a friend’s country band, new owner Skip was talked into trying live music there, and ‘Cruise Control’ (including Delta Mike Shaw, Mindy Stevenson , et al) got the nod. We rearranged the song for 4-piece plus the harmony vocals, and I had the bowling ball sound loaded on a cassette tape, wired in so I could cue it manually as we played the music. Definitely a one time only thing, and within months, the place was ex.
Certainly, losing that guy was tough, and, as you say, losing the place to fire thereafter was indeed heartbreaking, although later I viewed that as kind of poetic. At any rate, in this day and age we can give thanks that we were there to be part if it all. Many a night, that joint was packed full and jumpin’ – as vibrant as the strings of a Telecaster getting plucked by the joy of humanity – and Richard was Leo Fender!
Thank you all ~ for stoppin' bye.
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Just when things had gotten a little too quiet around here, we heard from lissner Jamstone, the enigmatic fan who’s offered multiple live commentaries on our song players:
Q. “Found you site thru sound cloud. I love that big horse thing [Gran Caballo]. I have played [it] in the stables and they like it too, specially Parlay’s Pride who always perks his ears up when he hears the horse at the end. I like the other one with words [Call Me Tornado] and Grandpops says he knows about the [Disney] Zorro but I like that big twangy guitar one. Will you make more sound like this please." Jamstone
A. Happy to hear from you now – and thanks for all your previous comments on SoundCloud. Glad you like how it sounds, also glad it works OK for the four-legged ones, and it didn’t put them off their feed. Understand that those two songs were drawn from 20-year old 'demo' recordings, and right now we have nothing else that sounds like that. A healthy animal keeps moving, Jamstone, but I'll never say never, and I may consider it since you might enjoy a sound twanging. I will therefore take it up with a higher authority! In the meantime, best regards to your Grandad and Parlay's Pride. Thanks for lissning and commenting.
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Later, fan and friend Jamstone wrote us again:
Q. "Hey Mister Steve, I liked your bowling ball [song] and Pops say[s ] one [song ] is going backwards. Is it? He says he sort of likes it but the animals don’t lik[e ] it! We both think there are to[o] many sad songs." Jamstone
A. OK, we’re acquainted, so cut out the mister, sister! But you’re both right: Near the end of 2020, we released the ‘person finds horse, person loses horse' songs, the ‘Richard/Tri-County tunes’ of local interest and the John Lennon laments. They were all promises that had to be kept. Life is what it is, and music a reflection of that, so there will always be some sad songs - and it does seem like too many. Well now it’s time to move on. Our next 2 releases will be energetic rockers. Yer Pops got good ears: Nonnel J. Blues IS running backwards, (except for the backwards vocals from J. Lennon Blues, which are, as a result, going frontwards. Everybody got that?) The fact that it bothers your 4-legged ones should not be unexpected. Your comments constitute a review, [Rolling Stone, eat your heart out...], so we're sending you and Pops the freebie vintage merch bundle. Thanks for writing. Take care, Jammie.
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Q. From Joel: You play some pretty hot bass in all generas [sic], even on the country stuff. [Uh...'Frackin’ Hoedown' maybe?] I play bass, too and wonder who your influences were. What about Jaco? Also, who was your favorite drummer to play with?
A. When I was learning the instrument and lissning to songs on radio and records, there wasn’t much that I couldn’t almost instantly play, so initially, instrumental challenges and influences were sparse. Based on what I was hearing and trying to emulate, I’d have to first cite the great Motown session player James Jamerson, one of the Detroit Funk Brothers, for teaching me how – and what – you can play while accepting the musical responsibilty to hold the bottom groove. He said, "If you don't feel it, don't play it." Also, early pop/jazz/rock fusion group Blood, Sweat & Tears bassist Jim Fielder was particularly influential, especially on the Spinning Wheel album. Come to think of it, they both played sunburst Fender Precisions, like the first bass I saved my $ for for years, (and is shown in the underlay here, and elsewhere). No, I loved Jaco Pastorius, (Weather Report, etc.), with his modified-to-fretless Fender Jazz, and I even had a chance to talk music with him at the Unicorn in Ithaca (NY), but the bass phenom was my contemporary and not a musical influence. OK: my all-time favorite drummer was and always will be Allen Vanderberg . He was my in-person groove mentor. He taught me to not be so 'busy', took me around and introduced me around at private jazz jams, and I learned a lot from my time with him. Al Heartland a.k.a. Al Macucci was also excellent, a younger and more technical 'Berg but with that same groove mentality. Playing with him was a pleasure; same for goes for drummers Mitch Doll and Mike Pleviak, Doug Kelly and "Mister Four-Four" Gary Driscoll, all very talented. Thanks for your comments, Joel, and for the interview-type question – allowing me pretense of rock star status.
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Q. [Pre-dating all of the above, the following was relayed by a mutual acquaintance at Cornell U.] Hi Steve! I used to work at Richard’s in T-Burg. You wrote a song about the place, and I wonder what happened with it and if I could somehow hear it again. I liked it… from Kathleen
A. Hey there, Kathleen! I remember you from when my recording studio sponsored the LEFTIES, a five-man all-left-handed bowling team. Your inquiry segues beautifully into the fact that we are reworking both songs for publication - after 25 years! The SE version of Gone to Richard’s and Thanks for Stoppin’ – Bye will soon be released as another digital single. Thanks for your interest, Kathleen. Richard's was a legendary social meeting place – and I still miss it. [Both songs were delivered as promised, 10-15-20]
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Q. You guys are amazing! Stewards Eclectric – and also my friend Mike a.k.a music artist Jonah Whale. I'll compare your contrasts to two other bands: The Refreshments and REM. Refreshments: (a semi-quote – not verbatim – from guitarist Roger Clyne who wrote their hit “Bandidos”, then recorded for Mercury ‘95-’97): “It’s a lot harder to be independent, but it’s also more rewarding. I’ve never received a royalty check from Mercury in 10 years. Roger McQuinn [Byrds] never saw any for Mr. Tambourine Man or Turn, Turn, Turn. I’m not calling Mercury unfair, but that was the nature of dealing with the big record labels.”
From REM’s guitarist Peter Buck (after making a 5-page list of everything he hated about the business side of a 31 year career RE: $, authority, P.R.): “ I hate the business & I don’t want to have anything to do with it!” Guess what Pete loved about it? Songs - the writing, recording, playing. Working with music.
You guys, SE, Jonah Whale and others – artists, composers and independent producers – have potentially avoided the greater pain and have embraced the supposed lesser all these years. This is what you’ve done, to do the better: to write it, play it, record it, and produce it for others to listen to or ignore, love or hate. [...more interesting comments from noted California 'Musician D’.]
A. Thanks much , D. Mucho appreciado on your words and your perceptions. Yeah, if you’re in it for the love of doing it, it is its own reward, and if something clicks, it’s a gift. If you’re doing it for bucks and the numbers, you picked the wrong time to musician! Music in today's society has generally been degraded to sound bites leading to and from the commercial. Blessed be the exceptions, and those adventurous audiophiles. Best of luck. I look forward to hearing your work with the Grand Midgets – or whomever. You’ll be great.
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Q. An Ithaca NY resident sent: "Was sorry to hear about Bobby Comstock's passing."
A. Yeah, I was, too. In early 2020, my friend, bandmate, sometime boss and sometime collaborator Bobby Comstock – a fine musician and someone close to my heart – left this realm for the next. In recent years, we didn't keep in touch, and although I was out of the loop, it sounds like he wasn't having much fun. Be completely assured that he's making up for that now. Having known Bob and traveled with him and varying configurations of the Bobby Comstock Band for over ten years, my memory banks are filled, and this website is peppered with references and anecdotes from those years. I hooked up with him at an extreme low point in my early pro music career, and in a scant few weeks I was onstage playing to crowds of thousands in the biggest venues with legendary founders of rock and roll I’d been listening to as a little kid. (Find his obit on '14850 Magazine'.) Bobby Jr. put together a complex and comprehensive musical tribute that night, playing many of his Dad's rare and obscure recordings. It was heartfelt and so very well done (as you might expect), and it's still available. ‘14850’ reports that “the web stream will be available at www.mixlr.com/rdr1, which the younger Comstock usually uses for sports broadcasts. Update: The web stream has been archived and remains available at mixlr.com.” For fans of Bobby Comstock & the Counts and early rock historians, this is definitely worth your listening time.
Never heard of Ithaca NY's Bobby C.? A lot of early rock music afficianados have – like Tom Petty. He regularly plays one of several of BC's records, (most notably, Bob's version of "Stomp!"), on the Tom Petty Sirius Radio channel, citing them as an early influence. ( And he manages to do to that, having shuffled off this mortal coil a few years BEFORE Bobby. Amazing!)
Bob was a great player – he loved to play – he was great at it – and he just wanted to keep playing, but at times his R&R history was the proverbial albatross. I’m happy to say that besides being bassist and vocalist, I brought Bob a selection of new cover tunes for the BCBand , many of which became favorites of his, and of his audiences, too. He embraced many of my suggestions of Allman Brothers, The Band, Loggins and Messina, and Little Feat songs, and we had great fun playing them. Near the top of that list would be Lowell George’s Dixie Chicken, The Band's The Shape I'm In and Up on Cripple Creek, penned by a friend of Bob's, Robbie Robertson. I think this ultimately helped him try to move forward from rehashing his 45s.
That early-‘70s four-piece band with Bobby, Allen Vanderburg, Larry Crowder and me will always be a high point in my life , having met my future wife after sitting in on a Wed. night jam at the Ithaca Salty Dog hosted by BCB. That’s where we met and first played together.
Maybe my favorite memory of Bob comes from the end of one of those many BCBand gigs just after wowing a closing-time crowd with a second encore, a jammed-out, major league Statesboro Blues. He had had his eyes closed and had been rocking forward and back with such intensity while playing his black Les Paul I thought he was gonna tip his amp over backwards, and maybe go with it. A sweating BC and I were putting down our axes, and I told him, “Bob, man, those leads were smokin’. On fire! B. B. King should play so good!” Backed with the sound of the crowd still shouting for more, he looked at me with that classic Bobby Comstock self-assuredness, and said matter-of-factly, “Yeah, when I get rockin’, man, I get serious.”
Thanks , Bob. Seriously.
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Q. D.B. wrote about Little Richard's passing: "...I wondered what your thoughts might be about him. Colorful? Yes. Charismatic? Yep - if not bizarre. Just seeking first hand memories. If I'm the first to deliver the news, I'm both sorry & honored at the same time. For sure, he's "havin' some fun tonight."
A. D.B., there were at least 3 shows I did with Little Richard on the bill, but understand I never played with him onstage. He always fielded his own band. Too bad. Backing up Little Richard would have put me in some sort of league with Jimi Hendrix, (besides the left-handed thing), since Jimi played guitar for Richard early in his gigging career.
Once, at Madison Square Garden, LR & his band had the dressing room immediately across from ours. We were sharing ours with Bo Diddley, which, by itself, was a trip. At one point, Richard knocked on the door and burst in with a huge flourish to say hi to Bo and Bobby C. and shoot the breeze as only he could. Wish I’d had one of my little tape recorders going for that conversation. Richard invited us to his d.r. for some ‘real fine hass-ese’. Bo and entourage went over, but I declined. I was in rehearsals, playing bass for almost everybody. And I had so much to remember, getting bozo’d on the job was the last thing I needed and it would’ve been my last Rock Revival gig.
He was a superb showman, wrote songs with now-classic rock grooves, and had a vocal style imitated by many who came after him. (Hello, Sir Paul!) Watching his performances from the side of the stage was a top shelf R&R experience for a 21-year old hired gun bass player.
Ultimately, he had a lotta guts for doing what he did when he did it.
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Q. "Something happened to me like with Gman, (‘80s?).” [See Q&A from Gman below.] “Chuck Berry was playing at our community college. Near the end of the show, he invited us with our dates to dance on the stage, and then was p.o.’d when we did. Was he weird like that? Also: why did he hit ‘some guy’?” TomCAT2
A. The man cut his own swath to success in a racially segregated society, so he was only as weird as that makes you. Truth is he probably wanted your dates to dance, not you! And as for that ‘some guy’, he was stupid enough to try to grab Chuck’s red 345 Gibson. Bad move, Bozo; you earned what you got. Thanks for writing, TC
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Q. "OK, Steve, here’s my 'review' - with questions. I wondered about Frackin’ Hoedown that showed up on [a country playlist], so I found you. Listened to your other material, but it was so different and I didn’t appreciate that at all. But when I realized the same band who did Hoedown also did Postwar Jump – and Crossing Across – and then March No More, which is so funky, it's really sort of amazing. And that Pennsy Blues thing – WTF is that? The differences are entertaining," [italics mine], "even though I'm not crazy about some of them. You guys are not boring, so I watch for your next release. Send free album, etc. to [address]; thanks! QUESTION: I am a vintage audiophile. When are these coming out on CD (which sounds way better than crappy mp3)? How about vinyl? [signed], M2gawn"
A. Interesting review, Em Two; the 2010 FGB album, first day poster & etc. on the way. I may collect all of the digital singles to a CD later in the year, but have multiple new releases (to include) before that happens. Our audience is currently too small to justify a vinyl pressing. Thanks for lissning and for your comments. God, the Grand Piano and The Steward all love an adventurous audiophile, and so with my best /worst over-sized goofy plaid Spike Jones jacket on, I repeat his immortal words, "Thank you, music lovers."
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Q. " Mr. Steward, Your “March No More” piece has special meaning to me, and probably to other vets as well. Could you tell me more of the background of it? Respects, Lt. A. I. Means, ret.”
A. It was aimed at the many dedicated members of the armed forces (and other protective, science and service organizations) whose time of service has ended. Of these, some found that despite their best intentions, their contributions were misappropriated, the truth misrepresented or swept under the rug - and are disappointed, even disillusioned. Take Ike, (U. S. President Eisenhower), who witnessed the signing of WWII surrender papers in 1945, only to be forced to sign a so-called ‘agreement’, (more like our own surrender), 9 years later in 1954. Unimaginable, yet it happened. The very real 'Washington UFO Flap' in July of ’52 may have been a warning: ‘we got you covered, so sign’. How about another true American hero, James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy and the first U. S. Secretary of Defense? Like Ike, he wanted people to know the truth about what was happening, and what he got for his love of true democracy was also unimaginable – but it happened. He deserved way better, and an honorable legacy. Lots more heroes like these, some American, some not, and not all famous. Maybe you’re one. [More dedications listed in SONG INFO.] Personally, I’d like to know what the song means to you, Lt. Means. Thank you for writing, Sir.
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SENT in reference to the song Crossing Across: “Whoa. Felt this in my chest... The beginning was 'Procol Haram-ish'; then 'Steward-ish' with tinges of E.L.O.; then pure SHS guitar. Not exactly like early Pink Floyd, maybe hints to my fav '70s PF; more toward it leaning that way (as a description of the sound). Then, what comes next, the only way I can describe it, is pure Gale Experience (as in Jimi Hendrix Experience,... as in a musical choreography of Gale's own Experience Crossing). Can't describe it any other way, Bro. Made me smile. Will buy/download this to play in my Jeep.” Diana B., Kenai, Alaska USA A. Wow. Procol Haram? You, Diana, are an accomplished vintage audiophile! Thanks. You guys keep us going.
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Q. “I would like to see you guys play in person. Do you have a schedule of dates? (The ‘Crossing…’ piece is excellent.) Thanks. Joi2world” A. Sorry, Joi, we’re not currently doing gigs. Performing live can commandeer one's life, taking energy away from new music ~ and that’s what currently floats this Eclectric boat. Been there, done that, you know, and moved on ~ but I’ll never say never! Thank you for lissning, for the appreciative verbiage, and be assured any live gigs would be announced here and in the newsletter.
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Q. Steve. "Picked up your Farmhouse Garage album at a recent car show where the orange [cover art] truck was on display. A sign said “1979 Dodge Lil Red Express truck heard on track 2”. There was a Lil Red next to it, but that was a ’78 – NOT a ’79! They were made for 2 years only, and the front ends are different! So which one was used in "Do Ya Wanna Drive?" ? (Thanks for the CD!) They call me Motorhead Girl...
A. Neither of those – but I commend you, Girl, on your hot rod knowledge. (Loved you in My Cousin Vinney!) "Sunrise" is my own resto-build wearing its original '78-only color 'Sunrise Orange'; the LRE you saw next to it at that Car Pride Show is an original 20K-mile survivor owned by Mopar Mike Jackson. However, the album sounds were done with my ’79 Red Express, (still awaiting resto, and not at that show). [More on this in SONG INFO.] Thanks fer the cool question, M-Girl.
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Q. Akiko wrote: "Very fond of cd yours. Wakan is my favorite. I listen over and over. Artwork shows many flying saucers. Are subscribed you to ancient alien theory?"
A. Yes. I’d describe it as "directed panspermia – with fringe benefits" A subscriber? Yes. I was a charter member! I saw The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 movie) at 10, and read my first Ivan T. Sanderson book ["Abominable Snowmen"] at age 14. These days, many UFOs seen are from one of the Secret Space Programs, (Solar Warden, Fourth Reich, Deep State/CIA, etc.), so not necessarily ET's ride. Still: could be… Anyway, I thank you for your words. I am greatly honored, Akiko – and I hope you liked the up-tweaked re-release of the song as a single. (Did you hear the musical saw ?)
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Q. "You have a unique website. I could not find you on Facecrack, don't know why - Angela"
A. Thanks for finding to my site. No, you will not currently find me on 'Facecrack' (as you call it) - although the career experts advise otherwise. I set up this Q&A column for personal contact in lieu of. I stay out of the Silicon Valley-generated Grippin Mire whenever possible. It works for some folks. Thanks for your comments, Angela, and please come again.
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Q. Riding the wave of the Woodstock 50th, (Aug. 2019), Hollywood voice-over artist Aaron Meza wrote: "Hi Steve, Thanks for sharing about Woodstock. You can reminisce anytime! For myself, like Joni [Mitchell], I must be content with honoring that time in a different way – and I did recently with a wee jam with my buddy Gary. (He was 20 years old and in the army overseas in '69.) We played songs by the performers; it was fun, and we included Joni’s song."
A. Hey, thanks Aaron. Alright, cool on yer jamming. Yeah, got some memories even though I was only there Sat. to Sunday morning, so here are a few: * * * * * Right after finding a place to park(!) and beginning our 10-mile pilgrimage to the stage came the ticket scalper. He obviously had us pegged as newcomers, and immediately went into a sales pitch, offering each of us Sat. $6 tickets for only $2. What a deal! Not yet knowing that they weren’t needed, I bought one. Strange Brew drummer Mike Pleviak refused, and busted me for being a chump, but I still have mine, now framed with some surrounding artwork [see PHOTO/ART GALLERY]. So who’s the chump now, Mike? But major kudos to George Broody and his beautiful bug-eyed '60s Dodge van, the Magic Bus that got us there and back. You and that van made it happen, George! * * * * * Here’s another: It was Sat. afternoon. Strange Brew organist Mark Leach and I had hung close to stage front for awhile, partook and passed a few things, and then went walk about, heading up the hill. Went to a funky makeshift food stand, and even the worker there passed me something. Bought a burger, dressed it with ketchup. Then I heard him tell the next guy, “Sorry, man, we’re outa burgers. Still got a few hotdogs.” “Are ya gonna get more?” that guy asked - while several other interested people were listening. “I dunno, man” he said, looking around, “I think it’s gonna be awhile.” Took a bite of the burger when this amazing drum rhythm started. “What the eff is that?” I said to Leach. Took another bite, then this incredible mesmerizing lead guitar stuff filled the air. I handed the rest of the burger to the guy who didn’t get one. “Cool, thanks, man!” He took a munch and passed it to somebody else. (That was Woodstock.) Everybody stopped what they were doing, looked at the stage and wondered WHO THE EFF IS THAT? It was some band named Santana – and I had just bought the last hamburger at Woodstock. * * * * * And onward: To me, Woodstock in ’69 was NOT about partying, drugs or even music. It was all about people. Hundreds of thousands of people thrown together into a situation they could not have imagined or predicted, a situation that conventional wisdom would mark for disaster, a potential do or die scenario. There were NO fights, rapes, thefts, or examples of violence of any kind. This occurred without a police force. People worked together to make that happen. Everyone there, the attendees, townspeople and local folks, caregivers, grossly outnumbered (!) law enforcement personnel, anyone whose eyes met yours was your friend and part of your family.
THIS is what human beings can do when they want to.
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Diana B. from Alaska comments and asks Q. Hey! I saw you with Chuck in Pittsburgh in '73. Chuck was late getting onstage and the crowd was getting antsy. But after he walked onstage the crowd went crazy!!! Chuck looked like he was having a great time. I remember you guys playing great backup and some pretty heavy bass. What brand of bass guitar was that? I've seen pictures and can't quite make it out. Any other memories of that awesome concert would be much appreciated!! That concert is an excellent memory of mine. Thanks for your time answering.
A. The ‘Richard Nader’s Rock & Roll Revival’ concert you recall at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena was probably my 3rd time playing with Mr. Berry; the revitalized four-piece Comstock Band (that added me as the young pup on bass) was only a few months old. [See BANDOGRAPHY on the ABOUT page.] We opened the show with a new version of Bobby’s R&R medley – new packaging for same oldies – but except for playing with CB, I don’t recall any of the other supporting acts, (although I know I was onstage as bassist for most of them). Thanks for the kind words; I was using the ’66 sunburst Fender Precision I’d special-ordered (lefty) through Collins Music in Bloomsburg PA when still a school kid. Spent every cent I could save or find to buy it including my older brother’s Indian head coin collection at face value. Thanks, Gale. [Photo on WHAT'S NEW page] I think the reason Mr. Berry was late to the stage that night was because he added a new stipulation: he insisted on getting paid in greenbacks before going on. With the paid attendance clamoring in their seats and the producer over a barrel, Chuck held his ground until Nader’s people coughed up the cash. Mostly I remember how great that Pittsburgh audience was, and how friendly and music-knowledgeable the people were in general. Thanks for writing!
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Q. What's the real story with this Hall of Fame stuff? Who are you kidding?" - sent by 'N. Credulous'
A. Everybody, N., everybody, - and, while accurate in some respects, it has all the authenticity of your name! [See the article in What's New. This satirical piece was contributed by a veteran pro in 'the biz'.]
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Q. "Wow. Can't believe your site. I searched Headwind. I remember you guys at Cornell, doing CSNY, Dead, Traffic and even Chicago. What happened to that band?" - CL"
A. The short answer is that it passed away in its adolescence. The longer blurb is: When I shuffle off this mortal coil, I'll go still wondering what would have happened if Headwind had stayed together. It was the band we, (Jeff, Aaron and I), had all hoped for as individuals. In '70, seemingly as providence, Jeff Plissner and I were assigned freshman roommates in the old University Hall #4 dorm, and we met and started singing CSN harmony with Aaron Meza at a freshman mixer our first week there. This trio nucleus of Headwind (which had been Ezra) all left CU at the same time a few years later, presumably to make the band fly bigtime, but the effort was immediately derailed by someone's bossy new high school-grad bride commandeering him (and the rest of us?) to the west coast. [I imagine he thought: "Hmm... Let's see now: the band - or a hot-to-trot 18-year old?"] The little pussy won and Headwind lost. Go West, Young Dick. End of story. Jeff and I stayed east, tried to regroup, but the magic was gone. Eventually he went back to school; I floundered for a year through Orion, ABB and King Henry's band until I hooked up with the Ithaca-based Comstock Band in 1973. [See BANDOGRAPHY] Thanks for writing, C.
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"The old album song I think you should redo next is Time Is Now. - Misty." OK, thanks. That's a good choice. Like all those album cuts, there were technical issues (with both recording and distribution) that held it back. And I've always wanted a chance to remake that lead guitar work with the plastic Mickey Mousegetar . We'll consider it, and I appreciate your suggestion.
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Q. My boyfriend wants to know what’s up with the hand sign on Postwar Jump and also on your Spotify page, etc. - Sandi
A. While some have assumed that it's simply my own modified version of the Vulcan 'Live Long and Prosper' thing, that hand sign has multiple historic derivatives. In more modern times, it is The Sign of The Big W, and generally signifies buried treasure. Originally thought to mimic the star constellation Cassiopeia in ancient times, it was first used regularly as a secret code by a band of mysterious warrior monk musicians called the Dazed Temple-aires. This once-powerful group, (with a string of top ten hits for EMI), came under dire persecution when they lost their recording contract. The survivors were forced to flee Europe with instruments and all their secrets, sailing in a lighter-than-air craft built from alien materials they discovered under King Soulmann’s Temple. Upon arriving in North America, they realized that taking the native people’s homeland away from them by force would be unfair and unjust, so they left. This time, they landed on an obscure island, taking up residence on what is now Pines Peninsula. There, in an elaborate system, they buried their treasures and secrets, including their lead balloon and (presumably) the long-sought-for Spark of the Government. By invitation, they mated with the local population and intended to live out their days permanently until forced underground by some unknown cataclysm. Various versions of this hand sign are depicted in numerous famous paintings by Geothermo con Vinci as well as other artists, apparently to tell the viewer in a coded message that The Spark of the Government and the royal bloodline of King Soulmann had survived. I display it as it relates to the fact that there are still many buried treasures and undiscovered secrets – some even hidden in plain sight – and that it’s still a mad, mad world. But we’re doing better; we’re down to only two mads. And feel free to contact me again, Sandi, if there's anything else your boyfriend wants to know, like 'how about when turned on side?' - the answer being, of course, that then it's The Sign of The Big E ! Enjoy.
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Q. Hi Steve. Recently found your site and read bandography [ABOUT page]. I worked with [a certain drummer - name withheld] years ago. Once we were coming home from a gig in your area. On a back road, we put the VW microbus on it's [sic] side in a big ditch. He called some bass player guy at 4 in the morning to come out with his Power Wagon pickup truck. The vw was yan[k]ed back on its wheels, and up out on to the road, and we drove it home - cops never came. Was that you? [name withheld]
A. Yep.
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Thanks, Gman, for the review you put on CDBaby. [NOTE: Come to find out, 'Gman' is actually Hollywood character actor George Georgiadis and his review went: "Every time I play the album my favorite song changes... Do Ya Wann Drive? Yes! It's drivin' music !...road trip or cruise, ROCK ON..." etc.] Yeah, there was definitely some drivin' going on in that recording, George! Chuck Berry told me once, onstage, in the middle of a song: "You drive me, man. You DRIVE me!" - after which he did the sidestep slide up to the mic, and hit the fourth verse of Johnny B. Goode el perfecto. (And that's where my song title "Drivin' Johnny B." comes from.) Also: Q. "I was still living at home in NYCity, went to a Beacon Doo-Wop show. You guys were there, the Comstock Band, and everything was going great. Somebody invited a few of us down front to come up onto the stage. Next thing I knew, cops were clubbing me and I got dragged out the side door. WTF was that about?"
A. That was rude, dude. Sorry to hear you got thrown out of that Beacon Theatre concert for dancing onstage; I have only a vague memory of it; I was playing bass at the time. Probably when the Coasters were on, right? I knew Carl and Speedo best; we partied some. Chuck was always doing that, too: he'd invite people up, and it would get out of hand. (DUH, Mr. Berry!!!) He did that at Madison Square Garden one night - and ended up punching some guy in the head, onstage, while under a perfect white pin spot! The Big Apple audience didn't like that, and closed in on the stage and orchestra pit. I barely got out of there alive, and with equipment intact - thanks mostly to my personal roadie of the evening, friend and drummer Mitch Doll. Sideman pal and saxophonist Lou Marini Jr. was on that show, too, about a year before he became "Blue Lou" with The Blues Brothers ala Sat. Night Live. Grapevine said our Comstock group was also scrutinized to be the backup band in that movie; obviously we didn't get the offer.
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tarzanNjane asks: Q. "Could you please tell us more about Ernest Silverback, and what he is doing now?"
A. No, vineswingers, I cannot. I have never even met the man face to face. Producing that song ["Frackin' Fool"] was a unique challenge. First, SE Consortium members powwowed to create the instrumentation backing, (the accompaniment). Then, Silverback essentially phoned in his performance. Afterward, I put on the finishing touches and shoved it out of the nest. So, to answer your question: I can't say where froggy-voiced Ernest is or what he is doing. Truth is I'm not exactly sure who he is.
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Q. From Deereman66: Q. "Heard your stupid Frackin song ["Frackin' Fool" and/or "Frackin' Hoedown"] on a country playlist list, and I’m incensed. What a load of BS. I’m a 4th generation farmer, and we support the gas drilling venture out here. Not just for the money, but for those who need this energy. Where do you think it’s going to come from for this great country of ours? From space? I think YOU are the fool! Who do you think you are?
A. I think I’m a musician AND a farmer whose ag lineage goes back 4 generations easy. The story those songs tell was culled from real life. Yes, this natural gas IS needed: by the frackin' energy corporations – to sell. The process to get it is foolish, shortsighted, irresponsible and, plainly, idiotic. (Nikola Tesla knew about free energy for everybody , but citizens have yet to get that info. And: it IS from space , smart guy.) I don't think you are stupid, just one of the status quo ignorant, since you believe what you’ve been told. Big mistake. The real news is not on 'The News'. Instead, think on this: "I think, therefore I am... I think not, therefore I am not." However, I agree with you, my Deereman: you should be incensed! So – using those tractor colors so deere to your heart – I suggest Celestial Sandalwood !
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