Steve Carlson makes music that is a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, with a splash of funk, some R&B, and a lot of soul. His music is a fabulously crafted tapestry of genres knitted together with Steve’s honeyed, passionately emotive, deeply textured voice and phenomenal musicianship. His new album Groovin On The Inside has a country feel to it, although anyone who isn’t a fan of country music – and I’m not – won’t feel it overpowering them. It’s a funky twist of rock with a dash of country, smothered in soul.
Steve’s brand of music is like sitting in front of a fire during a blizzard, like the feel of a warm, soft bed on a cold morning, or being wrapped in your duvet with a mug of hot cocoa on a lazy, rainy afternoon. His enviable ability to mix genres, his mellow voice and awe-inspiring instrumental talents combine to create a sound that is snug and familiar. That warmth and familiarity starts from the first track on the album. “If It Ain’t Easy” moves quickly from raw acoustic guitar into strong bass and boogie piano a la Jools Holland.
Up-tempo ballads are something that obviously come naturally to this country-styled crooner. In addition to the whimsical boogie of “If It Ain’t Easy” there is the rock guitar of “Wonder Of My World” and the country flavour of “Wasted Jamie”. “Hole In Me” is a soul-filled cry of pain and Steve’s rich, raw vocals give it a wonderful blues flavour. The first single from Groovin On The Inside, “I’ll Remember You” (video below), is a passionate, piano driven tune, and Steve’s soulful country roots shine through here. The sweetly poignant lyrics, piano hook, and light guitar give this simple goodbye song a passionately loving feel.
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