Download The 2008-2009 MAJIC Series Brochure

Steppin' In It FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2009 7:00 PM Bethlehem Church Sanctuary Hailing from Lansing, Michigan these young men pound out their own brand of roots combining old-time country, swing and blues playing what Performing Songwriter Magazine calls “some of the liveliest and most rocking acoustic roots music around.” Upright Bassist Dominic Suchyta and multi-instrumentalist brothers Andy & Joe Wilson compliment the strong songwriting talents of singer/songwriter Josh Davis who will feature new songs from their 2008 CD release Simple Tunes for Troubled Times. Read what Fred Kraus has to say about Steppin' In It and their New CD!: Rare indeed when a collection of songs creates an entire world. Yet that’s exactly what transpires with Steppin’ In It’s "Simple Tunes for Troubled Times." Sonically painting with a pleasant array of old time country swing and blues, this Lansing, Michigan, quartet brilliantly updates a resurging American musical genre. Populating this 11-track collection is an aging riverboat, the ghost of Richard Manuel, innocent love, dreams that are dashed, and the struggle of the common man. It’s a world Woody Guthrie knew about, and sang about. Steppin’ In It conveys the wonder of the American spirit, but also its heartache. Led by composer/guitarist Joshua Davis, traditional roots music is celebrated here by plaintive vocals and sweet harmonies, plus musicianship that is positively staggering. The number of instruments manned by Davis, upright bassist Dominic John Suchyta, steel guitarist Joe Wilson and the harmonica-playing Andy Wilson includes trombone, trumpet, Cajun accordion, dobro, slide guitar, Cajun fiddle, clawhammer banjo. Even rarer, though their competence on these instruments is clearly superior, there is little, if any, soloing taking place. All four musicians play to support the essence of the song. A true ensemble, their wonderful arrangements take us on a rich journey through the jaunty "Give My Regards to Miss Moline," the Texas swing of "Hittin’ on All Six," the laid-back "Wren’s Lul-la-by," the true-blue "The Long Haul," and my fave, "Washtenaw County." Though mostly originals, there’s also a rollicking version of Randy Newman’s "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)." These artists earn my vote for band of the year. © Fred Kraus, Minor 7th http://www.steppininit.com/   Reception Art: Rick Beerhorst Rick Beerhorst is a painter’s painter. He brings a Renaissance approach to the creation of his deeply spiritual art. His influences include traditional iconography, classical painting, post modern culture, the Bible, contemporary film, found objects, spiritual journies, folk art and most of all his wife Brenda and his 6 kids. "I believe making art comes out of a very deep place within, as if it is the core reason I am here on Earth. Perhaps the art does not originate with me but passes through me, imbued with the color and fragrance that are my unique personality. Making art serves a very basic need to communicate what builds up in me, as I live my life with an open heart and seeing eyes. Making art provides a natural release from a life of so much taken in." -Rick Beerhorst  http://studiobeerhorst.com