Steve Walsh - guitar player, producer

What is your musical background?

I started playing guitar when I was 12 after seeing Kiss in concert. Later on I studied

guitar and arranging at Berklee College of Music in Boston. After Berklee

I was lucky to be involved in the New York and then the Nashville music community before

moving to the Czech Republic last year.

Why do you do music and what is more important for you - playing or production?

I think music chooses you, not the other way around. It's a lot of work but its work you

love. Music has given me a rich life full of experiences many people only dream about,

even if it's a struggle sometimes.

As far as playing versus producing, I enjoy them equally and each one gives the other

more perspective.

What project are you working on now?

Currently, I am performing with my trio/ quartet, supporting our Animal Music CD "Daily

Specials". My NYC band, The Brooklyn Boogaloo Blowout just released our latest

album, "Old Soul", on vinyl. I've just finished producing a new single for Czech rock band

November 2nd which I am very excited about. I'm also mixing more and more and in

between all this I'm developing a new group here in Prague named Kombajn, or in English

Combine. We play a blend of country, swing and blues and sometimes feature vocalist/songwriter Eliška Ptáčková, whose CD, "Svým způsobem", I produced last year.

What do you think about jazz scene in Prague?

The jazz scene in Prague is really great! Sometimes my friends laugh at my positive

attitude but I honestly believe it's great. These days everywhere is hard for music but the

scene in Prague right now reminds me of when I was in Boston in the early 90's and NYC

in the late 90's/ early 2000's. There are a group of players here that grew up learning to

play together. Everyone supports each other and they're creating interesting bands and,

most importantly, everyone is developing their individual musical voice. My only wish is for

these groups to gain more exposure through the world!

U Malého Glena is a small and intimate venue. Is there anything special for you about

performing here?

That's it! Musicians always seem to love playing in small spaces where people come to listen to the music!