Edinburgh, Scotland based Steve Adey’s bio tells you that, until recently, Steve prostituted his skills behind the mixing console, and mastering classical recordings. That he has worked with all genres of music, from recording heavy rock bands to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Steve is a Brummie – someone born and bred in Birmingham, England – and an exceptionally interesting and intelligent man. To anyone in the know that could be consider an oxymoron – an interesting, intelligent Brummie - but Steve’s heterogeneous life so far, his work history, talent and the amazing far flung places he has lived have given him a unique outlook, an insight into our deepest desires. And this understanding has helped to shape his own debut album All Things Real.
The Scottish Borders – or “the borders” – is the lowland area between Edinburgh — Scotland’s Capital – and England. It is an area of remarkable natural beauty and intense, often violent history. But with the cessation of hostility with England it has become an area of farming and outdoor sports. This is where Steve Adey decided to stop his globetrotting lifestyle and write his debut album. Why the Borders? In summer, with their softly rolling hills and the fluffy clouds of sheep that dot the countryside, it can be warm, charming and utterly relaxing. In winter however, the sheep disappear to the shelter of the deep valleys, the hills freeze and the mists move in, covering the ground with the kind of eerie vapour and stillness that you might expect in a horror film. It is cold, desolate and more beautiful in its bleak, natural romance than the violent, wind swept moors of Wuthering Heights.
His music reflects this desolate beauty and also speaks of the raw, occasionally bleak emotions of never ending romantic love. And that Steve recorded All Things Real in churches – all at least 200 years old with some dating back to the 16th century – spread around Edinburgh only serves to intensify the austere atmosphere of his album. With a dark sensuality Steve sings of love and relationships and his remarkably honest, stark, intense vocals enhance this effect and are perfect for the exposed, moody piano driven All Things Real. The dead centre vocals and only the barest instrumentation gently guide the listener on a rich, emotive path through the touching lyrics.
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