With three albums released and another in the works, more and more people are discovering the new Florida Music, called Trop-Rock, and why Rick Steffen is recognized as one of Key West's finest singer-songwriters.
His music and songwriting versatility has treated audiences throughout the Florida Shoreline to his unique blend of island, blues,country, & soft pop sounds spanning a musical career of almost three decades. There is something for a large spectrum of age groups here. Steffen has moved his home base from Key West to Daytona Beach, Florida but returns several times a year for a tribute to his loyal fans in the Keys, and perhaps a cosmic seance with the spirits that have inspired Hemingway and other famous writers there.
"Tropical Nights" is Steffen's second album and was recorded at the 24 track Conch Republic analog Recording Studio, with the title cut being a song written for Bertie Higgens. Since it's release, it has become a favorite with parrotheads, boaters, and Key West visitors.
The tunes have been featured on many internet web sites, and his song "Seafood" was on the Today TV show.
you may also hear Radio play in Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cozumel, Canada, and no less than than 6 European stations boosting International interest as well.
Steffen performed at the 21st Woodstock reunion, the famed Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Cruise ships, the 4 Seasons Resort in Nevis BWI, and Florida venues including Silver Springs, Margaritaville Key West, Margaritaville @Universal Studios Orlando, and Cypress Gardens.
He plays originals, pop, reggae and island covers on acoustic guitar with his band "Offshore4", to a broad spectrum of travelers and locals eager to soak up sun, fun, local live music and spirits at the Sloppy Joe's Daytona.
Check out Rick's myspace page at : http://www.myspace.com/RickSteffen
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EACH SONG ON TROPICAL NIGHTS FOLLOWS:
TROPICAL NIGHTS 2:56 (AC) - CERTAINLY A SEQUEL TO BERTIE HIGGINS' "KEY LARGO" AND "JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE", THIS ROMANTIC LOVE SONG DESCRIBES THE MANY LOVERS WHO COME TO THE KEYS TO REFRESH THEIR LOVE.
LIGHTEN UP 3:03 (AC) - IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS WE CAN DO ON OR OFF VACATION. THIS CALYPSO FEEL GOOD SONG HELPS SPREAD THAT PHILOSOPHY.
WET DREAM 5:35 (NOVELTY) - PROMISES TO BE THE GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS CHAMP IN THE LONGEST FISH STORY IN SONG FORM. AN ODYSSEY OF FISH AND NAUTICAL TERMS THROUGH-OUT! CATCH RICK DOING THIS ONE LIVE TO HEAR THE MANY ADDITIONS TO THE ORIGINAL RECORDING BY KIPP ADDOTTA.
LOW KEY IN THE UPPER KEYS 2:46 (AC-C&W) - ANOTHER FISH STORY! IN THE STYLE OF BUFFET, JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO TAKE YOUR LISTENING SERIOUSLY AGAIN. "SQUARE GROUPER" IS THE KEY WORD HERE.
DRIFTWOOD 5:24 (BM/AC/JAZZ) - SPARKLING AND HYPNOTIC INSTRUMENTAL. COULD VERY WELL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR TRANQUILIZERS. INSPIRED BY MANY SAILING TRIPS AND PERFORMANCES AT POOLSIDE AND OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN.
JUMP 2:56 (REGGAE) - WHITE BOY REGGAE AT ITS FINEST AND A GOOD TUNE TO DANCE TO! IMPORTED FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, by Robert J MacFarland.
SEAFOOD 2:49 (AC) - A CRAVING FOR FISH ETC. IS NOT AN EASY THING TO DEAL WITH IN THE MEAT AND POTATOES WORLD. A SUBLIMATION WAS NEEDED - HENCE CAME THE SONG.
BEGGARS HOLIDAY 2:51 (AC) - RECORDED WITH THE ORIGINAL INFINITE TOLERANCE BAND FROM KEY WEST. ADVICE TO A FRIEND WHO HAD MAXIMUM CASH FLOW, AND DEALS WITH ALMOST EVERYONE'S FANTASY TO PULL THE PLUG ON THE SYSTEM THAT TENDS TO DEHUMANIZE ONE'S SELF.
GIVEN HALF A CHANCE 2:50 (AC) - A SONG ABOUT A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL TO A GIRL THAT GOT COLD FEET. A CHANCE FOR RICK TO SHINE WITHOUT THE BAND.
KEY WEST CALYPSO 2:35 (AC) - REFLECTIONS OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN KEY WEST FLORIDA, AND A FUN PIECE OF MUSIC FEATURING A REAL 4 OCTAVE MARIMBA.
PELICAN BAY 2:15 (AC) - ABOUT THE TAMPA BAY RESORT OF BAHIA BEACH WHERE PERSONAL APPEARANCES WERE PLAYED IN THE 80'S. WRITTEN WHILE SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY.
OFFSHORE 3:30 (AC/C&W/SPIRITUAL) - ABOUT A SAILING TRIP FROM THE VIRGIN ISL. TO THE STATES. SOME INTROSPECTIVE THINKING AND FLOWING GURGLING MUSIC COMPLIMENT THE FEELING.
** It took 2 years to complete this album at the 24 track Conch Republic recording studio in Summerland Key. I'm sure you will enjoy this effort from the keys, and hope you will return to make some music of your own.
Thanks for all your interest, inputs, and inspirations, and please look at the other CDs including Mango Music and hot off the press "More Palm Trees" !
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