STEVE
FURSTER

I'm originally from Montreal, Canada, where life steeped in music seems as natural for the population as eating or breathing. I grew up listening to the great bands of the Sixties and Seventies, a time when music needed to come from your hands (and feet) or not at all.

Although a guitar has never been far from my hands, I was drawn to the excitement of the drum set early. Many drummers agree with me: the instrument itself with its myriad bits of hardware and endless setup possiblities is half the fun. With some inspiration and instruction from the great Montreal Jazz drummer and pianist André White, I began to teach myself. In my case, the love of making and performing music quickly outstripped the chances for any formal training and so for the instruments I play (bass, drums and guitar) I have never achieved great heights technically, but play happily and comfortably in the groove and have had generous compliments over the years.

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I leaned to play the guitar organically as my older brother Fred was an accomplished clasical guitarist and teacher. Although blood is difficult to get from a stone, it remains thicker than water and by osmosis and little brotherly pestering, I learned the basics and beyond.

But it was perhaps my collaboration in the 70's and 80's with Big John Zeijdel that opened my eyes, ears and heart to the world of music and writing. Many of the songs offered here should probably include a contribution reference to BJ; suffice it to say that many would likely not have been written without his support. 

In more recent years, collaboration and workshops with Eric Bell And The Heroes have helped to hone my technique on the drums and introduce me to songs I never could have imagined playing.

I have enjoyed being part of many great groups playing Swing, Country, Light Rock and Blues. I've loved all the folks that have come out to the gigs over the years but have a special appreciation for Country Music audiences.
Some might scoff at that, but the majority know exactly what I'm talking about: for a truly good time, with truly good people, spend the evening in a Country bar!

Personal highlights over the years include opening shows for Canadian artists Anita Perras, Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, Tommy Hunter and The Tragically Hip.

The tracks you hear are all original and all me (for better or worse), mostly because it's hard to schedule time for other players to record effectively using the adhoc barbaric recording systems I employ!

Many of the songs are originally poems that have been modified and set to music. They probably span several genres and so seem to defy general classification!

Ive never trained my voice and that aspect is no doubt a bit weak. The idea here was to document the songs, possibly for others to play.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. And hopefully for listening...