Music Style Folky Smooth Jazz with Rock, Blues & Swing on the side

Musical Influences Albert King, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Stephen Stills, Joe Pass, Carlos Santana, Pat Metheney, Chick Corea, Jan Hammer, Wayne Shorter, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Michael Franks, Elton John, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Carol King, Hoagy Carmichael, George and Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Sara Vaughn, Etta James

Similar Artists Paul Simon, Michael Franks, Eric Clapton & John Lennon

Artist History Steve Ono is a Jazz Guitarist with extensive Folk, Folk Rock and Blues influences. Steve is also a talented Singer/Songwriter,arranger and producer. The original self-produced CD, "Voice of a Friend" is available from Onomuse Productions with a DAM CD version available here at MP3.COM. He graduated in 1980 from the Guitar Institute of Technology (G.I.T.) in Hollywood. In November 1993, with the release of "The Maximus Sessions," a compilation CD of Fresno area songwriters and artists, Steve's songwriting took on new importance. His song: "Serious Man," was mentioned as a standout by critic Don Mayhew of the Fresno Bee. It also received airplay on KKDJ-FM. His first all original CD, "Voice of a Friend," was released in December 1996. It features more of Steve Ono's songs and performances by Eddie Gordon on Harmonicas, Point Anderson on Mandolin, Dave Calvert on Keys, Felix Contreras on Percussion and Desiree Astorino on Backup Vocals. In 1995-96, Steve appeared three times on the CSUF Television Production, "Works in Progress", with Thomas Witt-Ellis for broadcast on Fresno's Valley Public Television (KVPT-18). His first CD as a producer only, "Cerro Negro" with the great flamenco group of the same name was released in Spring 1998 receiving airplay on Smooth Jazz 96.7 KEZL.

Instruments Guitars & Bass Guitar

Albums Voice of a Friend

Press Reviews From MP3.COM artist Patty Sterling about "He Would Control Them": Okay,Steve, a remarkable piece using the blues as a reference for some tough thematic material. This is a tune that will tear your heart out. The technique is masterful, nice clear recording - I literally felt as if I were there "in the Room" A Must Listen. Tells the truth - Not for the faint hearted. Steve, I'm a new fan. Patty Sterling. Listen.com Review: An accomplished string plucker, Steve writes easy going tunes (some with a bittersweet bite) about the average Joe. In love or out of luck, he sings his songs with a strong blues infused voice. -Nick D.rom: tasty (anonymous)Date: Tue Aug 15 15:42:00 PDT 2000 Subject: hello hey just thought i'd say i listened to your stuff not bad, not my type of music, but i can tell if something sucks....and this doesn't! heheh http://tasty.iuma.com welp see ya for now peace posted 08-06-2000 12:45 PM at iuma.com Steve: Listened to 'Gypsy in Disguise'. I really dug the eastern european intro; very tastefully done. The song was also well done. Although this is not my favorite kind of music I can appreciate the musicianship. I thought the guitar work was great, but what else would you expect from a GIT grad. I thought the bongos added a nice touch to the mood. Good job. "Voice of a Friend" - I don't know what to say. I understand? No, more like you understand and that's what is so healing about some songs, isn't it? Your story hit a nerve with me, but hearing you sing it made the feeling of isolation that often accompanies hurt dissolve. My human rights activities involve China. My mother is Chinese but she was raised in Japan and I spent my early years there before returning to the United States and the prejudices it can harbor along with the potential and beauty of its people. It's one thing to open a door to something that needs healing. It's another thing to offer some measure of the healing it needs. That's what your song did. Review from www.mp3.com/Dreamsinger I love your stuff. "Voice of a Friend" had me in tears. Literally. It's really powerful. I'd like to put it on my station. It's called M.P.D. Radio. The mpd stands for musical personality disorder. For people who can't make up their minds what genre they fit in. Review from www.mp3.com/WendyMcMurray

Location Fresno, Ca - USA

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