Steven Capozzola

A review from Gary Allen

Awaiting a pending overnight snow I am listening to the new CD titled "Purcellville", by Sonicbids and Indie artist Steven Capozzola. Enlisted as his partner in this
laid back, down home project is DC-area musician, Mateo Monk, who regularly performs on flute and guitar, playing world roots music styles from reggae to raga.
The partnership is a pleasurable blend of two men who probably individually consider themselves "one man bands". " A brilliant fusing of two exceptional talents..
gutsy, rootsy.. actually fantastically good.. they spark off each other like an established comedy act. Mateo's flute style reminds me of the late, great Chris Wood
from Traffic, one of my favorite bands. Go and see this hugely talented duo the next time they come anywhere near you. You won't be disappointed."

The vibe of this recording is right in sync with my warm coffee and tennis ball chasing border collie, that seems to be enjoying the music as well. The technique is
simple and user friendly with thoughtful and personal lyrics that tell safe and fuzzy stories. Recently typing to Steven he revealed that two of his own favorite new
songs were on "Purcellville", "The Lord's Blues" and "The Preacher". "The Lord's Blues" opens this collection of tunes. I can't make it all alone, just dressed in these
old bones, sings Steven in this cleverly executed plea to the creator.

He broke onto the American folk scene with his first recorded work "Acoustic Steven" in 2009 with his folk songs which, whilst contemporary, evoke the 60s folk revival
when singer-songwriters original output blended with traditional material. His strong, catchy melodies and commitment to personal reality issues make his music both
accessible and meaningful. I especially relate to the song "I Don't Sleep" as I don't really like to go to bed until I am fairly sure Keith Richards has went face down to
look at the back of his eyelids.

Steven sings beautifully, with great sincerity and great empathy. Only once in a while do you hear a new voice, a new sound that is really worth listening to,
Steven Capozzola is one such! "Purcellville"retains a unique, earthy and compelling sound of it's own in which songs run parallel and fit together as well crafted,
self penned songs should.


Forget about success or recognition for a minute. What you create as a writer or a musician is a function to some degree at least of the work that you put in, of how
well you learn the ropes, and of the extent to which you successfully master your craft. It doesn’t mean that the graft is always going to be fully appreciated or feted.
But if it is there in the work itself, there is no gainsaying it. This much Steven understands. You can hear it in every choice of chord, in every melodic twist and turn, in
the measured words, carefully considered and weighed for effect that should make him feel the equal of anyone at his game. As such, his own measured production,
the song selection, the playing and the pacing strike a balance between the ballad and the upbeat between the sensitive and the commentary. I’d guess that Steven
is very happy with "Purcellville" and he’s entitled to be. Nice job my friend.

-Gary Allen (The Charlie Daniels Band/JJ Cale)
- Tennessee Concerts

Modern Times Compilation - Locally Grown Music - Released April 12th, 2008

Are open mics recording their evidence now? - Well, I know of one Coffee House that is :) And I think it's great for two reasons. First being that it's yet another fantastic grassroots effort to promote homegrown talent, and secondly - the volunteer musicians participating on this 17 track, multi-genre release, fundraised their troubadour hearts out to raised the money to record it and dispense it to grassroots efforts like Coffeehousetour in hopes of obtaining some accolades for the thoughtful, heartfelt work. Well..it worked. :) Here I am with some awesome praise. A remarkable style collection ranging from 'Ole Blues Eyes' style jazzy grooves like Matt Holsen's "The Horizon" to theatre style tunes like "The Reflex" from Maureen Andary and fun & bouncy light rock riffs like "Hard to Get Down" by The Petticoat Tearoom are honorable mentions on this CD and the poignant "Pale Green" by Mally Smith, has to be one of the prettiest songs I've heard on a compilation in some time. Other honorable ear catching tunes were Ain't Got The Money by Steven Capozzola - and Saddle Shoes by File Under Jeff. I do encourage you to wait out the too long intro on the first track "Hannukah" by Wool, because the song really is engaging and I didn't regret the wait...though I wish I hadn't had to. :) If you're close by..visit this supportive java hut and tell them you heard about them here. And pick up a copy of this wonderful CD :)

You can visit http://www.myspace.com/moderntimescoffeehouse for more info.

Or visit www.moderntimescoffeehouse.com

Way to support local music Modern Times! ~ Annette Warner - www.coffeehousetour.com

http://collectingstuff.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/free-new-york-city-music-the-bleecker-street-folk-session-the-red-lion/

Three Mondays a month, the storied Red Lion on Bleecker street features three groundbreaking hours of music. With musicians vetted by singer-songwriter and host Niall Connolly, the line-up sees a weekly mix of returning favorites and innovative visitors.

Recent performers include The Third Wheel Band, E.W. Harris, Warren Malone, Kelley Swindall, Justin Storer, Steven Capozzola, Roesy, Adnan Sabir, Jessi Robertson and more.

The Bleecker Street Folk session runs from 7-10pm the first three Mondays every month. There’s no cover, and a fine array of beer to choose from at the bar or from the attentive waitstaff. The space is big enough to accommodate groups and also has a Village-enhanced bar menu (humus alongside nachos).

[The Red Lion, 151 Bleecker Street, New York City. 6 train to Bleecker Street, ABCDEF to West 4th]

- Collecting Stuff