Steve Stern and The Stacy's

4 and 1/2 Stars ... Entertaining & full of fresh, interesting original material, March 11, 2007
Reviewer: Joseph Ross "Joe Ross" (Roseburg, OR USA)

Playing Time - 31:39 -- Originally from West Virginia, Steve Stern played many coffeehouses and clubs in the 1970s. He formed his New Anthem Band in 1986. With Laurie Cackowoski in a group called "Guns & Garters," Steve played around Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio before relocating to Nashville in 1993 to follow his muse as a songwriter. Some of his previous compositions have brought him considerable notoriety and visibility. "The Harley Anthem" (later renamed "The Biker's Anthem") brought him many gigs at motorcycle rallies. Today he rides a 1984 Harley Electra-Glide. In the mid-1970s, "The Steel City Blues" became a standard for many Pennsylvania blues bands.

In this set of originals, Stern hopes that each and every one of us will hear at least one song that will brighten the day, or maybe even define one's life. With sentiments largely inspired by his wife and three children (ranging in age from 5 to 19), Stern weaves his lyrics and melodies into pleasant, easygoing tunes like "Let's Talk About Love" or "Light the Candle" that incorporate influences from the bluegrass, country, western swing and folk genres. A broad base of experience is apparent in his eclectic set. Stern attributes a variety of influential artists for their encouragement -- Merle Haggard, John Hartford, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ray Benson, David Bromberg, and Doc and Merle Watson.

I always enjoy hearing songwriters impart emotion and feeling by singing their own compositions. Steve tells his stories in a genial manner, and his messages grow on you with repeated listens. Songwriting is a learned skill, and the album demonstrates the development of his aptitude over the years. Opening with an earlier bluegrass composition, "Walkin' Through the Country" was co-written in the 1970s with Kevin `Hod' McLaughlin. The lyrics are a little leaner and more simplistic than his more recent messages. "Country Morning" incorporates some vivid imagery of the hustle and bustle of family life around dawn on the farm. "Biscuits and gravy and we're good to go!" A pleasant bridge is built to track 3, "Hallowed Ground," that depicts the songwriter's conflict of being on the road yet always searching for that sacred place to call home. With more country flavorings, that and other pieces incorporate Kenny Malone's percussion and Pete Finney's steel guitar. Guitarist/singer Stern enlisted proficient instrumentalists to be a part of the album's New Anthem Band - Mike McAdam and Van Manakas (acoustic guitar), Dave Roe (bass), Barbara Lamb (fiddle), Charlie Cushman (banjo), Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), and Randy Kohrs (Dobro).

Of special note are the harmony vocals provided by Lisa Aguilar whose smooth, silky voice softens some of the rougher, robust edges of Stern's. "I Know How To Love" has a nice call-and-response vocal arrangement that would make for a charming song for a couple to sing on their wedding day. "You light a fire in me when I see you smile..." In a similar vein, "Love You Tonight" and "Heaven on Earth" convey one's affection, sincerity and passion for another. The latter song (as well as "Let's Talk About Love") were co-written with Darren Haston. "Two Girls Play the Spoons" is a catchy tale, based on a true life experience from 20 years ago, about "two pretty girls a-spoonin' through the middle of the night." I've never cared much for the "strange metallic tapping" of spoons, but the novelty tune has a pleasant bluegrass groove and references to the genre even if spoons are typically frowned upon among the majority of bluegrass jammers.

In one of his songs, Steve Stern admits that he's been around the block a time or two. At age 43, he even underwent open heart quintuple by-pass surgery in 1997. But now he's got a new album out, and he's anxious to present his originals with his Nashville-based band that includes Rebecca Baumbach (fiddle), Rick Otts (banjo), Bob Grant (mandolin), Caleb Mundy (bass), and Ferrell Stowe (Dobro). Lisa Aguilar will appear with the band at some engagements. I'm sure that Steve's live shows will be fun, entertaining and full of fresh and interesting material ... just like this album. Read more about Steve Stern at stevesternmusic.com (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now) - Bluegrass Now

This jaunty, acoustic, airy performance features a prominent guest vocal by Lisa Aguilar. You'll find it on a listenable, folk-country CD titled Steam Powered Stern.
Robert K. Oermann
March 23, 2007
- Music Row Magazine

Steve Stern is a Nashville-based singer and guitarist who has opened for many legendary musicians ranging from Merle Haggard to John Hartford. His latest project features 11 original tunes that straddle the line between bluegrass and country music. He is supported by such pickers are Charlie Cushman (banjo) and Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), with some tracks featuring drums and pedal steel guitar. No matter how you categorize it, the music of Steve Stern oozes with excitement and "Steam Powered Stern" contains something that will please just about any musical palate.

*Thanks to Bluegrass Unlimited and to reviewer Les McIntyre for including this in their fine magazine. - Bluegrass Unlimited

3 Stars ... A gentile, unassuming album enhanced greatly by an amazing array of musicians.
June, 2007
- Maverick Magazine

3 Stars ... A gentile, unassuming album enhanced greatly by an amazing array of musicians.
June, 2007
- Maverick Magazine