After survivng open heart surgery in 1998, Steve released the CD, "Come From the Heart" which was recorded live over three nights. These days, in between Steve's other freelance gigs, the Fringe Locals have found a regular home for themselves at the Angel Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Feathers Pub in Toronto, where they appear just about on a monthly basis. The personnel has settled into a regular ensemble of players which varies slightly from gig to gig. The arrangements are tighter yet still have the same fresh adventure. They are currently working on their second album which contains new original compositions. The expected release date of the new album tenatively entitled, "Gumbo Dreams" is fall 2001. As Steve splits his time between Toronto and Niagara-On-The-Lake, he has been dubiously dubbed the "fringe local" as no one is really sure where he will be or who he will be playing with. For over 25 years Steve has been in demand as a freelance bass player and vocalist. He keeps very busy with a diverse list of folk, jazz, blues, country and R&B artists in both the Toronto and Niagara-On-The-Lake . He is often actively working in five or more bands, including regular appearances in the Niagara region with local artists, Platypus Rex, James Brown, and Craig Roberts' Jumpin' Jive Band. In Toronto lately, he is known for his bass and vocal work with singer songwriter, Gayle Ackroyd ,Dawn Duvall (Blue Willow) and as a founding member of Beach area favourites, Blazin' Saddles. Over the years Steve has also worked with many other bands including, The Fridgidaires, Midnight Angel, Mark Haines, Margaret Crystal...and most notably from 1972 thru 1978, Black Creek. He also led his own bands in the Toronto area in the early 1980's (Goldie Lox and the Bagels, Elephants Gerald and several Black Creek reunion bands...) In 1987, Steve and Conrad Kipping were asked to play as a duo at a cosy English Pub in Uxbridge for one weekend. It turned out that they went over so well they wound-up being the house band (The Casuals) for over three years. With Steve's roots being fully entrenched in blues, country, folk, bluegrass and good ol' rock and roll, you can hear these influences in his music. At any given performance you will hear some original tunes as well as an eclectic mix of songs by some of our most favourite songwriters including, Jerry Jeff Walker, Beatles, Luis Jordan, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffith, Charlie Parker, Steve Wariner, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Steely Dan, Bruce Hornsby, Duke Ellington, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Milsap, Delbert McClinton, Etta James, The Youngbloods, Taj Mahal, Cindy Lauper, Alan Jackson, Little Feat, Warren Zevon, Eric Clapton, Flim & the BB's, Miles Davis, and more... This is what folks are saying about the album: "Well let me tell you I was feeling quite shitty recently and I put on your CD. Exact song was "Weekends with the Local Fringe" and then "Last of the True Believers". ....Anyway after listening to those songs I felt better (ok I had a little wine with it.) But suffice to say, I like your music and it makes me H-A-P-P-Y!!! ...." -R.D. in Toronto --------------- "Hi folks: I just received Steve Goldberger's CD Come From The Heart. It is a terrific live recording of some marvelous songs including two of my Nanci Griffith favorites Fly by Night and Last of the True Believers. They are two of Nanci's best and Steve does a wonderful job. I always loved Fly by Night and wished to hear Nanci perform it live, but never did. Steve's performance allows me know how it would sound live. I think that particular song could have been as popular as Outbound Plane if it had received radio play. Thank you Steve and Nanci for some great music." - J.T. in Maine --------------- "It really is a great CD. We also like Bruce Springstein and one point when your original tune was on , my wife came in and asked if it were Bruce doing one of his tunes. And I do love your Nanci renditions plus the songs you do on the Plastic Objects album. Thank you kindly," J.T. --------------- "Hey Steve, Received your CD today, (actually almost DIDN'T get it) it wasn''t in the mailbox it was shoved between the front door and the screen. A door that is often not used but if it weren't for my VERY observant sister it would still be there. I have been listening to it and WOW it's quite the toe tappin' finger snappin' tunes. I really like it and I have to tell ya so far my favourite song is the one titled "Weekends with the local Fringe" it's excellent and it must mean so much to you and all the people involved ( I just like the part about gettin' drunk ha! ha!) I shouldn't joke there are people that would vouch for that twofold!" -R.D. --------------- "Wow, you can really sing! I'm glad that such a high percentage of your songs is jazz/blues style. You da best white black jew singer I heard in a long long long time. Thanks for the album from the heart." -J.W. in Toronto --------------- "Hey Steve! Nice collection of tunes, Steve. Something you ought to know about my taste: the closest I come to pop music is Steely Dan. Definitely okay with my old favorites like James Taylor, Bruce Cockburn, Jackson Browne, though. Then you realize my favorite cut was the one you ran out of tape on. But you guys are skilled musicians, man! Great stuff. I'd love to hear a "jazz" set - and I know you guys are capable. Lookin' forward to catching a live show, possibly in late Spring." -P.D. in Vermont ----------------- Steve's main man these days is Eric Mahar, guitarist extra ordinaire Born in Stratford, Ontario, Eric is a studied musician and teacher with honours degrees in music and broadcasting from Humber College. He has also studied under acclaimed jazz guitarists Lenny Breau, Ralph Towner, and John Abercrombie. He has been in demand over his long career for his many talents as a guitarist, singer and producer and is known as the "musician's musician". Eric has recorded, produced and performed with a multitude of national artists in concert and on T.V. across North America and Europe including: The Mercy Brothers, The Bending the Bows Show, Marie Bottrel, Michael Burgess, The Waterloo Symphony, Mac Wiseman, and "new country" sensations Wayward. In the summer of 2000 he was a cast/band member of the theatrical show "Don Messer's Violin" which played in Prince Edward Island to sold out crowds. Eric has worked with Steve in several bands since the early 90's. Herb Nelson: Keyboards. Herb hails from Pt. Cobourne originally and has settled in Niagara-On-The-Lake. A multi talented artist, Herb (also known as Pookie1) is employed by the Shaw Festival in the scene shop where he creates some of the amazing and beautiful sets that you see on the festival stages. Herb has appeared at the Angel Inn with Steve for last year or so and is now a permanent fixture in the Fringe Locals. Herb has also put together musical acts for appearances at the Royal George Theatre for Amnesty International and the infamous SNAG's. (Sorry, if you don't know what the SNAG is, then you are not in the loop!) Herb has a steady house gig at The Anchorage in Niagara-on-the-Lake appearing with drummer Penner Mackay every Sunday from 11 am - 3 pm. Also Featuring on Drums: Penner MacKay , Now a resident of Niagara-On-The-Lake, Penner spent many years on the Toronto scene touring with acts such as Dan Hill, Miles & Lenny, to name a few. With over 30 years experience, Penner is an extraordinary drummer and percussionist. With a boundless amount of energy and joy, he is a delight to watch on stage. He is also the leader of NOTL's own legendary Drummin' Fools, an all drum orchestra showcasing Penner's unique "Barrelhouse Drums". They have appeared around town at the Shaw Festival's Fair & Fete and the annual benefit for Amnesty International at the Royal George Theater as well as other town charity events. Penner is a sports fanantic and is the proud father of two talented musician sons, also drummers. David Norris: Holding it all together, Dave is solid as a rock. Having worked quite steadily with Steve over the past ten years backing up artists such as Gayle Ackroyd, this is probably the most solid rhythm section in the Toronto/Niagara area. Originally from the London area, Dave is known for his work with popular bands Beshara, The Andi Duncan Band, The Satellites, Drastic Measures, The Pukka Orchestra, Joel Feeney and Kenny King. His appreciation and love of roots music and his varied background gives him the patience and experience to lay down just the right groove. Dave loves fast cars and is not available for gigs during the Indy weekend. TO READ THE FULL LINER NOTES GO TO THIS SITE: http://www.stevegoldberger.com/linernotes2.html