Album Notes

STEVEN GRAVES RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM – MAKE A NEW WORLD
Album calls for humanity to awaken and create a peaceful world

Santa Cruz, CA - After 24 years as a land use consultant, Steven Graves decided to put guitarist, singer and songwriter at the top of his current resume. A year in the making, his debut CD, “Make a New World” is now available for preview online at www.stevengravesmusic.com.

Steven’s unique sound reflects his roots as a Californian, seamlessly blending elements of rock, reggae, country, jazz and blues with his sincere calls for a more peaceful world. Part of a renewed movement of socially minded recording artists, Steven’s highly polished grooves, combined with messages of hope and possibility, allow “Make a New World” to connect with a diverse audience. The influences of Dylan, Lennon, Marley, Ben Harper and others who have infused their music with social and political meaning echo throughout “Make A New World”.

Steven and local producer Jimmy Jackson (Trailer Park Troubadours, Lacy J. Dalton, and others) hand picked some of the most talented musicians from the Santa Cruz and Bay Area to showcase on the album. Lisa Taylor, a world class singer in her own right, is the featured vocalist on “Yes We Can”, a gospel song which was written on the night of the 2008 election. The song calls for America “to rise again in possibility” and to “bring peace all across this land” and feels like a new American anthem reminiscent of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Our Land”. Steven’s soulful vocals and talented guitar work along with the multi-instrumental talents of Jackson and a host of highly skilled musicians make “Make A New World” a must for those open to new music and emerging artists.

Steven says, “I wanted to make the album fun with danceable rhythms and inspiring lyrics that will hopefully speak to people at a deep level. I feel compelled to write songs about core beliefs that define who we are. How do we find peace on both a personal and global level especially in these times?” Steven delivers these central themes of the new album with humility and grace. Contact: steven@stevengravesmusic.com .

"In a world filled with anger, hatred, and tragedy, Steven Graves is a breath of fresh air with an inspiring hope-filled debut that blends many genres such as jazz, blues, reggae, and country and pairs it with positive, uplifting, and socially aware/conscious lyricism. This mix, reminiscent of many of the protest/peace movement artists of the 1960s also skillfully includes many excellent solos from a variety of musical instruments and synthesizers that further emphasize and heighten the effects derived from this CD’s haunting melodies and lyrics."

Alan Huang, Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion