Steve Mann

[Mike Perlowin RIP]

Steve passed away September 8. Some of you already know who he was, For those who don't, here are a few links. If you google the words "Steve Mann Guitarist" you'll find a lot more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mann_(guitarist)

http://www.amazon.com/review/R4BY4OVQ3Y4BK

http://wirz.de/music/mann_frm.htm

http://www.stevemanngtr.com/

http://www.united-mutations.com/m/steve_mann.htm

Steve developed acute schizophrenia some time around 1968 or 69, and spent the rest of his life in mental hospitals and halfway houses. As sad as his passing is, it is sadder that se lived most of his life in darkness.

But during the years before the onset of his illness, he was one of the best, possibly THE best, acoustic fingerstyle folk-blues guitarists in the entire world.

He was also my friend and teacher during those all-too-few years of brilliance before the darkness fell upon him.

[Herb Steiner]

I've known Steve about as long as Mike P. He was a mess, but a loveable mess. And an awesomely great acoustic guitarist who was certainly the equal of John Fahey, Dick Rosmini, and Ry Cooder when it came to fingerstyle blues and ragtime. It's too bad that the demons took hold.

[Ron Page]

This is a very sad story you're telling, guys. I believe you're friend, Steve, is very close to learning the answer to the question that must have haunted him, "Why me?"

My condolences to you both, Steve and his family.

[Mike Perlowin RIP]

And an awesomely great acoustic guitarist who was certainly the equal of John Fahey, Dick Rosmini, and Ry Cooder when it came to fingerstyle blues and ragtime.

In my opinion, Steve was WAY better than those guys. I believe he really was in a league all by himself.

It should be mentioned that Steve once said that he wanted to make a set of recordings that would make him an immortal legend, like Robert Johnson.

Steve got the chance to make what was supposed to be that set of recordings in 1967, but the producer did not know what he was doing, and at times had Steve playing an electric guitar with a band. The results are beyond disappointing. The LP will soon be reissued on CD, over my stated objection to the "Straight Life. It is a travesty, and does not even begin to present Steve properly. I feel it is better left buried.

I believe Steve's bitter disappointment over this album may have been a factor in his illness.

BUT, in 1970, a tape was found of a live performance at l..A.'s famed Ash Grove. That tape was released as an LP and recently reissued as a CD. Steve was on fire the night the tape was made. It has been said that the tape caught him at the very peak of his abilities. Unfortunately, the sound quality is very poor, but the quality of the music overrides the technical issues.

THIS is the recording that will give Steve the immortality he wanted. And in his more lucid moments, he was aware of it.

As tragic as his life was, he had a dream, and he saw it come true.

A third LP was released consisting of bits and pieces recorded at different places and times. It is inconsistent, but contains some very good material.

More material was recently found including 3 songs in which he accompanied a young unknown girl singer named Janis. This material is also available on CD. The Janis Joplin estate graciously allowed the material to be included, with the provision that her name not appear on the cover so as not to exploit her. Her name only appears in the liner notes.

Like the 3rd LP, this CD is inconsistent. It has some worthwhile material, and some, like the straight life LP, that is better left buried.

If you want to hear the REAL Steve Mann, get the "Live at the Ash Grove" CD.