NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Larry
Stevens Official Website) - When New Jersey-singer/songwriter Larry
Stevens released his "Heart Of A Fighter" CD back in 2006, it created an immediate visibility for the homegrown artist, who had toiled in the tri-state area for years, like never before.
The CD was widely heralded as the work of a 'new' New Jersey-based serious writer/musician.
Now, two years later, Stevens has released his next CD, DOWNSTAIR'S AT MAYO'S that at once confirms all the past celebration on him and exhibits new songs that again are startlingly brilliant.
"'Heart of a Fighter' was all me.... From songs about my Grandfather to encounters while on the road... I wrote it from the heart and from what I felt and I had seen, and the fact that it resonated so well with so many was a blessing," says Stevens.
"We wanted the right kind of deal with that record... and, it didn't come to pass. With this new one, we tightened up several things and are now looking at several possible situations."
One factor that immediately played into the production was Stevens's collaboration with musician/producer Greg Mayo that ultimately led him into welcoming Greg in to his production circle.
"Greg is a terrifically musical person (son of original-Peter Frampton guitarist/keyboardist Bob Mayo) and our relationship grew to the point where we recorded it at his studio... downstairs. That's where the title came from; I always found myself going downstairs to Mayo's... at his house."
Considering Mayo's musical pedigree, the collaboration has been right on the money.
"I usually know what I want right away in the studio and in terms of the arrangement, but having Greg as a collaborator has been an excellent sounding board," adds Stevens.
Perhaps the most-radio friendly track on the CD is the provocatively titled "DeJa Voo Doo Glow" which features an oddly infectious jazz/samba beat that is positively undeniable. Stevens says, "This was written outside of Nashville on a rainy afternoon... hence, the atmospheric quality. Greg put a terrific spin on the production... opening it up. I love it! It's full of mystery and intrigue."
The track "In The Arms Of Home" is equally radio friendly, but with a decidedly country beat. "This song is about relationships... for every fan and listener. It's about loving the one you're with... or, heading home too," says Larry.
"I Think We Need To Slow Down" is about how life goes on and on... that nobody ever slows down. It's got a nice edge, lyrically and musically. It speaks to everyone... we never slow down," says Stevens.
"One For Love" is another standout track on the CD. "It's from 1998, after I moved to Nashville. Yes, it pulls at the heart strings... it's meant to say that instead of being hurt or mad at a person, let's agree to chalk it up to another shared experience... being mad at love. Greg Mayo had a very basic idea of two guys in a room playing and the results speak for themselves."
Stevens, who plays an average of 3 to 4 shows a week, with his own band, is determined with this effort to break into mainstream radio. "First you got to have the material... then the desire. We have the product, and believe me, I have the desire." With management consultant David Salidor on board, (including someone who will work the radio market) Stevens expects several major tri-state shows to occur by the fall. "The shows we're currently doing are terrific, but to make that next jump will be very rewarding. In the last two years we've begun stepping up that ladder... and, we're ready now to run."
