Album Notes

Steve Nelson is an American original, a folk/pop artist with a deep social conscience and a heart of gold. On a life path that has led him from his New York roots to California and then to Nashville, Steve has spent years developing his signature blend of American music, drawing from the artists he loves most – The Beatles, Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, James Taylor and Randy Newman. Guy Clark and Bruce Hornsby are also among Steve’s influences. (Guy appears on Steve’s first album, Bruce plays on Steve’s latest.)

Steve’s songs are deeply personal, sometimes humorous, often provocative, yet always accessible. Crafted with rare care and artistry, they shimmer with hard-won experience and respect for his audience. Steve’s complete comfort in an exceptional range of musical genres is born out by his early success writing for Barbra Streisand, Dusty Springfield, and Paul Anka, his substantial catalog of television and film scores (including Winnie the Pooh), and his more recent collaborations with some of country music’s most respected writers and artists. (Two of his songs written with Guy Clark appear on Guy’s latest album, “The Dark.”)

Steve’s songs have always been about real people (or bears), his own personal experiences, and lessons of life. With the 2003 release of his first CD, “Listen What the Katmandu,” (produced by Grammy winner Don Henry), Steve emerged as a fully-realized artist offering a welcome voice of reflection in the world

Steve’s own continuous artistic growth is clearly evident on his latest release, “Distance Over Time,” also beautifully produced by Don Henry. From its poignant opening track (“John’s Pond,” featuring Bruce Hornsby), this impeccable, engaging, and timeless tapestry of new songs from the heart further establishes Steve as an enduring – and endearing – voice of American music.