Since the early 70’s Steve Goldberger has been a band leader, songwriter and freelance bass player/vocalist. Today he keeps busy with his band The Niagara Rhythm Section at their regular Saturday night gig at Corks in Niagara-on-the-Lake and his regular Monday night gig at Highway 61 in Toronto with his buddy Steve Grisbrook. Since opening the shed studio/Hitsville NOTL in 2000, he’s recorded and/or produced twelve CD projects either of his own or for other artists.
After surviving open heart surgery Steve released his first indi CD,in 2000. “COME FROM THE HEART” was recorded live over three nights at the Olde Angel Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Feathers Pub in Toronto.
In early 2002 Steve released the “NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE RHYTHM PROJECT”, a collection of original instrumental tunes. What started out as “an all acoustic world music type of thing” evolved over time to this showcase featuring the composing talents and musicianship of Steve and his pals.
“GUMBO DREAMS”, released in the fall of 2002, is Steve’s first album of all original “singer/songwriter” material. After thirty years of playing other writer’s songs and a lifetime of experience, he has returned to songwriting again. The songs cover the wide range of styles that have influenced him over the years resulting in a “gumbo-type” mix of roots, country-rock, blues and folk. If you had to label his music, you might be reminded of Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Lucinda Williams, the Shaggs, or Little Feat with some Don Henley thrown in.
“CLUELESS” (2005) Once again, Steve and his pals put together a new album of diverse material. Steve hits the mark with thirteen new original songs. Crossing over from folk to country, good old rock and blues with tribal rhythms mixed in. This album follows the route of his previous endeavours with writing and production values moving up an extra notch.
“LIVE AT THE ANCHORAGE VOLUMES 1 & 2” Since 2003 Steve’s Niagara Rhythm Section has been backing up a different guest artist every Saturday night at their weekly shows. Steve has produced and recorded two live albums featuring these live performances with some of Canada’s finest artists, including Chuck Jackson, Johnny Max, Tony Springer, John Mays, Denis Keldie, Neil Chapman, Lance Anderson, Mark Lalama, John Dickie and more.
“THE GOLDBERGER VARIATIONS”(Dec/09) Steve’s latest studio album featuring a few originals but mostly “variations” on songs by his favourite Canadian and global songwriters. A slight departure from his other albums in that he plays most of the instruments himself on most of the songs. However the overall earthy and organic sound he is known for still remains.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1971-78: Founding member of newgrass/rockers, RCA recording artists, “BLACK CREEK”. Appearances in clubs and concerts as headliners and opening for Supertramp, Arlo Guthrie, Melanie, Lester Flatt and more.
1975: With Black Creek- winner of 1975 Genie Award (Canadian Oscar) for best original score
1972-present: Freelance bass player with long list of artists including: Willie P. Bennett, Mark Haines, Blair Packham, Chris Whitely, Jamie Snyder, Conrad Kipping, Margaret Chrystl, Bill Garret & Curly Boy Stubbs, Gayle Ackroyd, Dawn Duvall, Nancy Ryan, Foolish Behaviour, Joe Ingrao, Mark Lalama, Craig Roberts, Steve Grisbrook and more.
The 80’s: Led several original and cover bands in Toronto including, Goldie Lox & the Bagels, Elephants Gerald and several Black Creek reunion bands culminating n the Black Creek Big Band shows at Harbourfront.
1987: Appeared at Winnipeg Folk Festival
1993-1997: Founding member of popular Beaches band, Blazing Saddles
1993-present: Bass player for blues singer Gayle Ackroyd
1995: Moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake and started the Fringe Locals band.
1998: Survived open heart surgery
2000: Built the shed recording studio and released first indi CD, COME FROM THE HEART
Composed, recorded and produced corporate promotional CD, WILD HERB’S COOLER SOUNDS
2002: Released second indie CD, THE NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE RHYTHM PROJECT
Released third indie CD, GUMBO DREAMS
The shed studio is destroyed by fire
2003: The new shed studio/Hitsville NOTL is opened. Recorded and produced jazz CD for Craig Roberts and the Jumpin’ Jive Band. The Niagara Rhythm Section is formed for a weekly Saturday night gig at the Anchorage in NOTL
2005: Fourth CD, CLUELESS is released. Recorded and/or produced projects for James Brown, The Marantz Project, Martin Springett, The Shoeshine Boys, Diesel Dog
2006: Recorded and produced Brazilian/Funk CD for Bruce Jones
2007: Weekly Niagara Rhythm Section gig still going strong. Releases LIVE AT THE ANCHORAGE VOL. 1.0
2008: LIVE AT THE ANCHORAGE VOL. 2.0 is released
2009: Niagara Rhythm Section celebrates its sixth anniversary and relocates weekly gig to new venue, Corks.
Steve releases fifth indie CD, THE GOLDBERGER VARIATIONS
Read more...