• • • Scott Gressitt
    • Encinitas, CA
    • Dec 14, 2011 @ 10:24 PM

  • I met Steve in 1990 when he set up on the corner of E street and 101. My studio was 100 feet away. I grabbed my string bass and walked up behind him and laid down a few lines. He turned with a big smile and said "Welcome, brother!" This began a fast friendship that lasted to the week Steve died when we sat in the Pannikan and cried together about having had his instrument "removed". My boys and I followed Steve around North County for years and held a house concert at my place in San Marcos in 2008 featuring Steve and another great unknown player from Nashville, my best friend, Bruce Kunkel. Steve was all heart. He loved my boys and me and said so every time we got together. Steve suffered quietly when life through him curves, and faced adversity with a clam that was remarkable. Too bad Americans didn't "get" Steve the way the Euro's did. His life sure would have been different. I miss him and consider myself blessed to have known him as a friend. My boys were lucky to grow up listening to Steve live and be smothered by his love and antics.

• • • Paul Sprawl
    • Minneapolis
    • Dec 8, 2011 @ 2:08 PM

  • I knew Steve in San Diego. I played his open mics (and Larry Brown's). Knew Maya. Was inspired. Played his cassettes for people. He played at Cobalt Cafe, my illegal downtown venue in a commercial art building on 13th Street. After I moved away I came back to town and visited him a couple times. Met Alda at a music conference in SD. Last time I saw him was at his gig in Berlin when I was over there doing my own shows. Supportive cat. Not in it for narrow self-interest. Good life.

• • • Paul Sprawl
    • Minneapolis
    • Dec 8, 2011 @ 2:08 PM

  • I knew Steve in San Diego. I played his open mics (and Larry Brown's). Knew Maya. Was inspired. Played his cassettes for people. He played at Cobalt Cafe, my illegal downtown venue in a commercial art building on 13th Street. After I moved away I came back to town and visited him a couple times. Met Alda at a music conference in SD. Last time I saw him was at his gig in Berlin when I was over there doing my own shows. Supportive cat. Not in it for narrow self-interest. Good life.

• • • Ine
    • San Diego
    • Dec 8, 2011 @ 11:18 AM

  • Wonderful site and music, Clint. Thank you for introducing me to your site!

• • • sujatha
    • india
    • Dec 6, 2011 @ 1:39 AM

  • i think steve was a wonderful musician and a kindly human being... i saw him playing with tommy emmanuel in youtube..and loved the music and warmth between the musicians...my heartfelt condolences

• • • dan menendez
    • cardiff
    • Aug 22, 2011 @ 7:03 PM

  • Alda, thank you for the honor of playing at steve's tribute nite. I hope that some of the performances will be put together for an album so that his music will continue to improve this world.

• • • Kathleen Fabry
    • Anaheim, CA
    • Aug 22, 2011 @ 4:48 PM

  • Dear Alda, I just learned of Steve's passing. I have been in transition since Wayne's passing in January. I'm so very sorry for your loss. This year of 2011 has been one of extreme loss for so many of us. Wayne Hosaka and I loved Steve's music. Wayne introduced me to Steve and his music early in our relationship. Now they both have left this earth, leaving behind a legacy of love, beautiful art and music. My sincere condolences Alda. Keep yourself well.

• • • Dan Milner
    • San Diego
    • Aug 20, 2011 @ 8:13 PM

  • Dear Alda,

    Thank you so much for the honor of speaking at Steve's Memorial Celebration. I could have talked about him for hours. I loved the man, his music, his heart. I was lucky to have known him. We all are. I will never forget him, or you. Bless you. You know how to reach me if you ever need me.

    Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

• • • Carol Whitener
    • San Diego
    • Aug 15, 2011 @ 9:39 PM

  • Dear Alda,

    Thank you for such a wonderful evening celebrating Steve's life, music, family and friends. It was a very special evening, leaving us with a different attitude about life and our own future endeavors. Steve left a legacy with his music and was truly loved.

    Thanks for sharing this special time with us.

    Love Dennis and Carol

• • • John Story
    • OB
    • Aug 14, 2011 @ 12:12 PM

  • Wonderful celebration last night for a remarkable man. The place was packed with kindred spirits who shared paths with Steve. I could feel Steve's warm vibe there so strongly.

    All the anecdotes given by the speakers about about Steve were sooo sweet. Thank you all for sharing.

    Steve was a musician beyond categorization and a truly gentle soul. Peace all.

Contact:

Alda Leal