Fresh Pie Sold Here: In 2004, Steve began recording a CD of a dozen of his original songs, a quirky quilt of bittersweet love and angst, Michigan lakes and cherry pie. Steve cites influences like Jonathan Richman, Lou Reed, Tom Waits and even Brian Wilson, but is hard-pressed to define what this is. "There's a narrative element to it, I think. Hopefully it's catchy and fun and weird, too, and makes you laugh, but there's also a story thread to it, if you listen closely. I consider it more of a performance piece or personal statement or something like that than a bid for the pop charts and airwaves. I wouldn't last five seconds on American Idol—thank god. Steve in the studios of Backseat Productions, with pal Erik Esckilsen in background. (Infectious solo not pictured.) photo: Joslyn Layne It's more like a musical monologue piece from the heart. Or a personal essay with trombone." The project, There's always pie… was co-produced and engineered by indie cult figure Jim Roll at Backseat Productions and mixed with the help of the distinctive ear of Brian Lillie. "These two are so instinctual at mixing," Steve says. "It almost borders on savantism. We call them ‘the Rainmen.'" When not doing this, they both also happen to be renowned musician/songwriters of no meager stature. Several friends appear on the recording, including writer/musician Erik Esckilsen, Steve's wife Sharyl Burau, The Great Lakes Myth Society's Timothy Monger and Greg McIntosh, Rich Griffith, Al Di Blassio, Dave Keeney and others. And of course, Jim Roll and Brian Lillie, jumping in wherever needed. (Their fans may be surprised to hear Brian whistling and Jim banging on heating ducts.) Many of these musicians can also be heard in their own right on the Weneshkeen Jukebox page. FRESH PIE FOR SALE! .......................................................................................................................................................... Steve's CD, There's always pie... can be purchased at Amazon or CD Baby. Now also available at: Ann Arbor, MI: • Nicola's Books  • Borders Books & Music - Downtown ("Store 1") • Oz Music • Schoolkid's Records Chelsea, MI: • Cranesbill Books Grand Rapids, MI: • Riverbank Books & Music St. Joseph, MI: • Forever Books Montague, MI: • The Book Nook & Java Shop Petoskey, MI: • McLean & Eakin Booksellers • Horizon Books Canton, NY: • Brewer Books at SLU online: • amazon.com • cdbaby.com • towerrecords.com Or ask any local store to simply order it from the national distributor, Super D!