Album Notes

This CD started out with experiments in playing the piano with a radical different approach than accustomed to. It involved practicing with abandon, love, passion, trust, and practicing total release and acceptance of what was played. After the pieces were played I wondered how they would sound on playback. I really enjoyed the level of creativeness, implication, surprise and freedom that the pieces had in them. When I first started playing like this I thought "wow !"...what would happen to your playing if you practiced like this often? I wanted that this type of freedom in my regular style. I conjecture that it was already present only I didn't let it out, you must be mentally there first. To some degree it was like trying to control a monster only more fun.

I sincerely hope you keep an open mind and ear and find enjoyment in these musical journeys as they inspire you to live life with the same qualities that this music was created with.

Steve August, is an eclectic pianist with strengths in both the Jazz and Classical idioms. He is a composer and arranger and author lives in beautiful Northern Michigan and has performed in the area for over 20 years in clubs, resorts and in concerts. He performs often in a solo as well as a group setting. He has performed with many of his own Jazz trios and Jazz Quartets and as a sideman in various settings. He recently achieved a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies performance degree from Western Michigan University. He performs often on Mackinac Island, Michigan in the summer months for Weddings and Receptions in this highly romantic setting depicted in the movie "Somewhere in Time."

In addition to performing Steve is a very active teacher and educator. His studio schedule is full with many aspiring pianists, bassists and those seeking greater musical understanding of the inner workings of music making. Steve started the annual SUMMER JAZZ weekly workshop for Jazz Education in Northern Michigan. This workshop is open to all levels and all instruments in Northern Michigan during the summer months. Watch for details on this workshop.