Steve Fister

Steve Fister - Deeper Than The Blues - 2008 - Pepper Cake

Over the past 12 years of his solo career, Los Angeles based guitarist Steve Fister has forged a musical path consisting of a singular vision which ranks this incredibly talented player as one of the best in the business. From the largely instrumental albums, 1997's 'Shadow King' and 1999's 'Age Of Great Dreams', to his recent forays into hard edged blues rock, simply stated Fister just may be the finest guitarist you've probably never heard. Coming up in the L.A. scene in the late 80's, serving as Lita Ford's touring axeman of choice, then continuing through stints with Pat Travers and Steppenwolf, he's certainly paid his dues. Which pay off once again on his latest offering of blues infused rock, 'Deeper Than The Blues', the studio follow up to the critically acclaimed 2007 live document 'Live Bullets'. Recorded over a 16 month period in Los Angeles, Masbree, The Netherlands and Brazil, it's an album which showcases not only his prodigious abilities as a guitarist, but one that shows that he continues to grow as a songwriter, serving up memorable songs containing some of the hottest playing to be found in rock today. Largely eschewing the guest appearances which have characterized his previous releases, this is Fister's baby, and he certainly shows that he can do it alone and achieve the same stellar results. However, having said that, there is a notable guest spot courtesy of blues guitarist Walter Trout, who supplies the outro solo on a funky blues workout of the Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want". Other than Trout though, with the exception of backing vocals contributed by current Legs Diamond singer Johnny Levesque, the players may not be big names, but they sure get the job done. Starting off with the hard driving, groove that is "You Gotta Live", one is immediately impressed by the full sound of the production. Rich and full, spacious enough to allow the instruments room to breathe, it has a retro yet modern sheen. Hard rocking, with a bluesy influence, featuring strong vocals and a percolating rhythm, it's a fine beginning. Things turn a bit moody with "I Just Wanna Scream". Featuring gritty, incisive slide guitar recalling some of Joe Walsh's work in the same vein, it's a classy continuance. "Coulda Woulda Shoulda" showcases Fister's tasty rhythm guitar chops and deep blues tone. And when the time is right, he unleashes a fiery, impressive blues solo that uncovers his deep roots studying the playing of legends Albert, Freddie and B.B. King, but also contemporaries such as Eric Johnson and Joe Satriani. "Found Out The Hard Way" is reminiscent of the solo work of the late, great Tommy Bolin - slow burning, building in intensity, it's yet another track highlighting Fister's increasing prowess as a vocalist.With each new album he seems to continue where he left off in this regard ,and it's becoming an instrument of its own right alongside his guitar work. The slow blues of the title track alternates from the almost jazzy passages of the verses to a rousing chorus. The volume swells are a nice touch, lending to the atmosphere, and special note must be given to the playing of bassist Berend Courbois and drummer Hans in't Zandt. The time spent touring by the three have brought out an instinctive interplay that only develops from plenty of time playing together. Other highlights include the funky instrumental, "Funky Shonuff", a grinding cover version of The Beatles' "Come Together", and the album's closer, "Last Of Me", yet another slide guitar workout. As the last down and dirty notes fade off, there's no doubt this is one classy blues rock contribution. Make no mistake, this is a rock album, but one on which Fister has successfully interpreted the blues in his own vision, in the process blurring the lines between what is considered "rock" and what's considered "blues". But with results this good, why bother arguing over what it is or isn't, just go out, buy it and enjoy the fantastic sounds. 10/10 - Review by & © Nightwatcher Sunday, June 1, 2008 © http://nightwatchershouseofrock.blogspot.ie/2008/06/guitarist-steve-fister-goes-deeper-than.html

Steve Fister from Buffalo, New York has toured with the Pat Travers Band, Steppenwolf and Lita Ford Band, and in the early 80's he joined Iron Butterfly as their lead guitarist. He has recorded several albums under his own name or as the Steve Fister Band. The guy is a sensational guitarist but sadly remains an unknown musician to many people. Steve has been described as "a brilliant guitarist… he not only has soul in his fingers, he has heart in his songs" (Music Connection), and "a talented, versatile guitarist with a love and respect for the instrument's place in several genres" (All Music Guide). “Deeper Than The Blues” is mainly a rock based album and the guitar work from Steve is masterful. Robert Silverstein in 21st Century Guitar said that “Guitar ace Steve Fister joins the ranks of today’s rising guitar superstars, and offers undeniable proof of his stature as a masterful solo artist”. Nightwatcher’s House of Rock said that “Steve Fister blends the guitar wizardry of Jeff Beck with a bluesy 70's hard rock vibe, punctuated with the melodic sense of The Beatles”. Bernard Baur in an article in Music Connection said that “Steve Fister has forged a solo style uniquely his own. Playing a form of blues rock fusion, Fister doesn’t just blend genres, he creates new ones”. Steve said in an interview that "My earliest memory of music that moved me was Boogie Woogie piano, and then a bit later the Beatles and the British invasion stuff, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, that led me to Albert King, BB King and Freddy King. That led me to Charlie Christian, then on to fusion jazz. The style where I found my voice on the guitar was always blues based. I have a ton of influences, but I can't shake the emotion and feeling I get from the blues”. A great album with top class musicianship and compositional skills. Steve Fister is an incredibly underrated artist, and “Deeper Than The Blues” is an album you will listen to time and time again. Not one dud track, and HR by A.O.O.F.C. Buy Steve’s “Dodgin Bullets” album and support real music. [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 103 Mb]

TRACKS

1. You Gotta Live 3:50
2. I Just Wanna Scream 5:14
3. Coulda Woulda Shoulda 3:56
4. Found Out The Hard Way 4:51
5. Can't Always Get What You Want 4:52
6. Deeper Than The Blues 5:01
7. Rise Above 3:59
8. Funky Shonuff 3:46
9. Come Together 5:06
10. Last Of Me 4:28

All tracks composed by Steve Fister except Track 5 composed by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, and Track 9 composed by John Lennon & Paul McCartney

MUSICIANS

Steve Fister - Electric Guitar, 12 String Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Slide Guitar, Vocals, Background Vocals
Walter Trout - Guitar Solo on Track 5
Philip Bynoe - Bass, Fretless Bass
Barend Courbois, Fernando Raio - Bass
Sandro Feliciano, Hans in't Zandt - Drums
John Levesqe, Brent Hoffort - Background Vocals

BIO

Steve has been described as "a brilliant guitarist… he not only has soul in his fingers, he has heart in his songs" (Music Connection) and "a talented, versatile guitarist with a love and respect for the instrument's place in several genres" (All Music Guide). Steve has played in Lita Ford's band in the eighties both live worldwide and on her hit studio albums but although this was eighties hard rock, he never lost his passion for American rooted blues music. Guitarist Steve Fister's fourth solo album (first in Europe) includes musical guests Gregg Bissonette (Carlos Santana, Ray Charles), Tony Franklin (The Firm) Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Tommy Aldridge (Ozzy Osbourne), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), Eddie Tuduri (Dwight Yoakam, Marianne Faithfull), and Carmine Appice (Jeff Beck, Cactus). On Steve's albums, the guitarist/composer gets back to making music the way he hears it. "Melody and song content is priority one, but at all times I try to keep the drama and excitement levels high." Rhythm plays a large role in these ensemble like albums, but never sacrifices melody or raw emotion. "It is very important to retain a live but refined dynamic feel in the studio. Rather than over producing the guitar parts, I try to keep an open honesty, letting the feel of the song dictate my approach." Steve is a seasoned musician whose performing and recording credits include stints with Michael DesBarres and Lita Ford (where he enjoyed a high worldwide profile, as well as serving as band leader and musical director); extended touring with Stu Hamm, winner of "Guitar Player" magazines' best bassist poll; a North American Tour and CD with guitar legend Pat Travers; and World Tours with John Kay& Steppenwolf. The song "Rocket Town" off the new CD was recently featured on the E! networks Charlie Sheen Celebrity Profile - look for it to come around again soon. Also, "Steam Shuffle" (from "Shadow King") was featured on the E! True Hollywood Story - Andy Kaufman. Steve did all of the guitar work on the animated series of "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" for the Fox network, as well as the Tri Star motion picture "Volunteers," starring Tom Hanks and John Candy. The songs, "Slow Slide Down" and "Memphis" were used on VH1's Flix series. They were featured in the making of the new Brad Pitt film, "Meet Joe Black". The disc is getting lots of airplay as well as the CD of the week, on the The Belgium radio show , "Planete Indi". The songs "Hyper Boogie", "Big Guitars and Fast Cars", "Steam Shuffle" and"The Slam" have all been featured as NASCAR theme songs on TNN and ESPN networks. © http://www.stevefister.com/about.htm