Past to Presence

By Raj Manoharan If youve always wanted to really get into the music of Steven C but didnt know where to begin, this is the perfect place to start. His latest release is a three-CD retrospective that spans his entire career, which is now entering its third decade. The project was possible thanks in part to Stevens ardent admirer Mary Jindra, whom Steven calls a "super fan" and who had all of the 47 long out-of-print songs here on various CDs. Working from curator Marys archival material, Steven proceeded to rerecord many of these classics to breathe new life into them. The discs are sorted into the categories of Mellow, Middle C, and Movin, providing a nice variety of Stevens wide range of composing and performance styles. There are gentle, serene piano cascades, upbeat numbers with a more fleshed-out sound, and everything else in between. As different and far-reaching as Stevens music is, it is all imbued with his thoughtful creativity and heartfelt passion. This is an artist who cares about his connection to his audience. If youre a fan of Steven C, this is piano paradise. If youre a novice, this is your introduction to a world of musical wonder.