Album Notes

About Steve Black

Steve Black currently lives in Branson, Missouri. After many years as a working musician in the Little Rock, Arkansas area doing shows, club dates and concerts, Steve moved to Branson in late 1997 to play Jackson in Pump Boys and Dinettes. He also spent three years on bass with the Lennon Brothers Swing Music Show, another year with Cracklin’ Rose, seven seasons with the Shoji Tabuchi Show and last year with the #1 Hits of the 60's Show. He is currently traveling with the Neptunes Jazz Trio on Holland America, and has appeared nationally with some of the same musicians on this CD.


The Songs of Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa: My college composition class brought this into being. I could never decide on a title until a trip to Santa Rosa Beach with my fiancée, Dawn.

With You in Mind: This piece by Acoustic Alchemy is a beautiful ballad. Listen for the fretless bass on the bridge.

Misty Nights: Several sleepless nights resulted in my writing this aptly titled song.

Mindanao: This song by Cal Tjader has always been a favorite of mine as it’s so much fun to play. Bass players will appreciate the tumbao pattern.

On College Hill: College Hill, my grandparents’ home, is a place I used to visit frequently as a child. This tune simply reminds me of those good times.

Kathy: A beautiful 5/4 Bossa Nova by Maocir Santos that I have always loved. I couldn’t resist including it here.

Sway: A long-time vocal standard that needed a good instrumental representation.

Rolling Hills: This is my very first composition. It was inspired by a riff from a former guitar teacher, Sherrill Kendall.

Oceans Apart: Another Acoustic Alchemy tune with a beautiful melody. I like the contrast between steel and nylon string guitar.

Wave: Antonio Carlos Jobim brought us this haunting Bossa Nova and it just seemed appropriate for this record.