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Steve Bequette: Maybe Wednesday
How cheeky is it to record and release a song about another musician on the St. Louis music scene? Doesn’t matter, because that’s exactly what Steve Bequette has done on his first CD, Maybe Wednesday, with its lead-in track, “Trey Guzman.” Cheeky, perhaps, but it’s catchy as hell.
The same holds true for most of the rest of the album, an impressive alt-rock debut from one of our town’s understated songwriters. “You Should Drive” keeps a steady beat as Bequette offers, “I can keep the faith and you can think you’re safe.” “French Café” has more of a ’50s driving rock sound, to which Bequette’s mostly smooth, slightly scratchy voice seems well-suited. The harmonies on “Safety” push the song up a notch; on its own, it’s a toe-tapping gem. “Who do you love? Who do you love, my love? You’re my love,” Bequette promises, the guitars straining for release along with his voice.
“Buzz On” is a classic rock ’n’ roll song; it’s absolutely impossible not to sing along. Though solid, “At This Race” and “Closer” seem to be missing something: a distinctive hook, perhaps, or maybe a caesura, something to slow them down, give the listener a chance to catch a breath. “Sunday” is a strong, jazz-driven track, but a little too adult album alternative for my tastes.
Thankfully, “Struggle” and “Nothing Is Wrong,” the last two songs on the disc, keep Maybe Wednesday from fading away. The former, though mellow, is inspirational and uplifting; an acoustic guitar lends the air of a struggle to the latter, as Bequette’s voice nearly cracks in professing his truth.
A fixture during the reign of Kennealy’s, Bequette faded into the backdrop for a couple of years. The “Maybe Wednesday” project—a reference to their undisciplined rehearsal schedule—began with drummer Jeff Schunk and guest bassist Mike Kociela. The net soon widened to include bassist Todd Smith (and occasional guest Trey Guzman) and became this impressive debut. —Laura Hamlett
- Playback St. Louis
Discography
Steve Bequette - Maybe Wednesday
Steve Bequette - Mothershead (due out in May)
Both CD's are available at CD Baby or on-line @ www.stevebequette.com
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Steve Bequette was born on a small cattle farm just outside of DeSoto Missouri. Steve and his brothers grew up singing barbershop tunes and hammering an old player piano for entertainment. At fourteen, Steve’s first power trio rehearsed in a barn with a Fender Telecaster, a drum kit with an oil pan head, a keyboard on a hay bail and broom stick mic stand.
Over the past 15 years Steve has performed steadily throughout the Midwest and toured 36 countries for the USO with his band Ten Stories Tall. After earning an Audio Production degree from Webster University he spent 6 months traveling and street performing throughout Europe. Back in St. Louis he continued to write music and perform an average of 150 shows annually. All of this helped develop a distinctive sound that captivates a wide audience with honest lyrics over solid rhythm and melody.
His latest release entitled ‘Mothershead’ features Kyle Cook from Matchbox Twenty on the single, Last Thing. This collaboration offered Bequette an opportunity to tour with Cook’s side project over 30 cities throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
Bequette will release his second full length CD this summer. Visit www.stevebequette.com for more information.
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