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About The Mike Estep Band![]() When it's all said and done, there's only one way to describe the Mike Estep Band: It's all about the songs. These songs are about people you know, places you've been, things you've felt. The single mother working extra shifts to give her kids something to dream about, and never complaining about the burden. The Vietnam vet taking his son to see The Wall and trying to make sense of it all. A walk along the carnival midway on a starlit night with your lover. The fine line between man and machine, blurred even more in this age of technology. A broken heart, a broken trust, a broken spirit. But yet, a belief that there are better days ahead. It's all about the songs. You can feel it in the live performances. Steve Orlando, Jr. steers the ship with his soulful vocals and expressive drumming. Paul Opel provides the solid foundation with his energetic bass playing and frenetic stage presence. Tim Herron takes you on a roller coaster ride from searing, heart-wrenching lead guitar to the hippest rhythm licks you'll ever feast your ears on. And Mike Estep wraps it all together with his driving acoustic guitar, a voice that you can't forget, and real emotion that makes every audience member a part of the experience. It's not about how hard or fast you can play. It's not about how much money you can make. It's not about becoming a superstar. The Mike Estep Band. Since 1998. It's all about the songs. Critically praised original music, performed with a wide variety of uniquely flavored covers, wrapped in a package of pure fun.
As a solo artist, Mike Estep played clubs and coffee houses throughout central New York for over ten years. This effort led to the release of "One Lane Bridge" an album of twelve original tunes taken from the acoustic set lists and given a full production treatment. Reviewers have praised the effort's production and writing, and the opening song "Walking Along the Wall" brought Estep an invitation to perform at the Voices at the Wall, Memorial Day Ceremony of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. To celebrate the release of the CD in May 1998, Mike was joined by friends and musicians who contributed to the album for a "one-night" performance as The Mike Estep Band. That group eventually morphed into a full-fledged outfit, featuring Jeff Favalo on guitars and vocals, Steve Orlando Jr. drums and vocals, Paul Opel on bass and Dani Gottuso vocals and percussion. Dani left the band in the summer of 2000 to concentrate on her acting career, and the boys forged ahead as a quartet, tightening the sound and giving it a little more "testosterone" push. Now, over three years later, the Mike Estep Band is still together and going strong, enjoying a growing following at their live shows in and around Central New York. ![]() January 2000 saw some incredible happenings for the band with our release of "This Machine", Central New York's first CD release of the millennium. Fans have fallen in love with this engaging mix of stories and emotions flowing from Mike's pen. From the "Big Brother" downsizing of the prophetic title track to the crumbling heartbreak of "Falling" and "This Time", and from the call of romance in "Circus Lights" and "Reunion" to the sweet revenge of the "Snowplow Jockey", the Mike Estep Band has again hit a chord with the common man. One of the strengths of the band has always been its energetic and entertaining live shows, and the band decided to put that experience down on tape. Recorded April 12, 2001 at The Caribou Club, the new live CD titled "Next In Line (One Live Evening)" was released on January 1, 2002 to critical and popular acclaim. The CD includes four new originals: "Colder Rain," "The Waiting World" and "Next In Line" by Mike Estep, and "Only Dreams," penned by bassist Paul Opel. Two previous releases, 1998's "One Lane Bridge" and "This Machine" from 2000 are represented with versions of "Borders to Share," "One Lane Bridge," "Train of Lies," "Circus Lights," "Falling" and "The Mask." The CD is rounded out by covers of Marc Cohn's "Paper Walls" and the ever popular "Jack and Jill," a somewhat suggestive version of the children's classic, written by Central New Yorker Karl Hoffman. Described as contemporary roots rock, The Mike Estep Band shows include spirited performances of songs from "Next In Line," "This Machine," "One Lane Bridge," and new original material, along with the band's unique versions of Bob Dylan, Don Henley, Mitch Ryder, Phish, Eric Clapton and The Barenaked Ladies - just to name a few. The Mike Estep Band continues making music and performing shows that stand out in the Central New York music crowd. For information call 315-382-2497 or email meb@vdd.com. Click below to e-mail Paul or Mike Website Design and Maintenance by:
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