Equal Pride Equality - Diversity - Community Vol. III Issue 6 Spring 2002

StoneWall Society GLBT Artists CD Review Steve Snelling

"Perfect Strangers" Steve Snelling Review by: Len       Steve Snelling is an artist with diverse influences which are abundantly present in his music. This makes him difficult to peg into one category. Smooth and mellow pop would come to mind, but wait, didn't I just hear some classical reference? Hmm where did the jazz come from? See what I mean? Steve describes himself well while explaining that Joni Mitchell, Daniel Lanois, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Paul Simon are all part of his acknowledged influences. Classically trained and having played since the age of three, Steve is a true piano man. Sharing a passionate example of his skills with

keys and words. Steve Snelling plays the piano like a lover plays his love. Knowingly and with certain stroke. His lyrics accompany with power and playfully add deeper vision to his musical prowess. 

    Opening Track, "Daniel" is an emotion packed, questioning look at a troubled person. Snelling brings vision and empathy to the secluded world. His lyrics, "When Daniel sails around the courtyard arms wide open," are delivered with such vocal and musical power that you see. Not just a boy on a courtyard but a relatable experience about the commonality of us all. The depth of lyrical meaning and immense musical scope throughout the entire "Perfect Strangers" CD is awesome.

     Steve Snelling has a gift for storytelling, which combined with his musical range of perspective creates limitless areas for growth and experience. His music can be enjoyed from a strictly musical sense in that it encompasses the senses and embodies emotion. His lyrics are deeper, more intense. The combining of his music and lyrics are a powerful force and one which leaves the intent listener reeling. That "reeling" is a good thing. One that lives when art is. Snelling has brought that life, reeling if you will, by matching and contrasting musical mood and tension with the same in a lyrical sense. Not always side by side, often in conflict and therein lies the Steve Snelling difference!

For more about Steve, his music, getting his music, and some interesting bits of information visit his website!

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StoneWall Society 10/99 - 2002