I was first introduced to music by my brother, Patrick, who is an accomplished steel guitar player (check out his sight at JestKountry.com). Pat needed a keyboard player for the band he was in at the time. I practiced for weeks and weeks trying to get my chops down. When I went and auditioned for them at the early age of 14, I was absolutely and positively rejected. I could have bowed my head in shame, but instead, I let the rejection fuel me to learn more and become a better player.
Later, in my junior year of high school, I met Brad Palmer, who has been associated with such CCM artists such as Steve Green and Michael W. Smith. Brad taught me the art of playing and singing (which, at the time, was a BIG accomplishment for me). Brad taught me that the only thing wrong with failure was not getting up and trying again.
After I left high school and Brad, I went to York College, where I met a dude that was the most inspirational musician and best friend for which a guy could ask. His name was Rob Perry. Together, Rob and I created one of the top local college bands that the area had seen in years. The band was called "Smalltown". With Smalltown I saw audiences that numbered more than I had ever seen in my whole life. We met up and coming bands, such as "Live", "Counting Crows", and other bands that I'm sure you've not heard of as of yet.
Through Smalltown, I also met a producer by the name of Dave Pace. Dave talked me into recording my first solo album. He recorded and produced my first release, "...and then she was gone." at his studio, The Time Machine, in a smalltown in Maryland. It was on this release that I recorded the song "Jen". (available at houndsound.com). Jen was the first song that I ever wrote. The lyrics actually came to me while I was riding a mower cutting my grass when I was 17 years old. Funny how we can be inspired by the stillness of life.
For the past four years, I have been writing and recording with bass player Mike Ford of the big time, East Coast hit band, "Bad Influence". Mike has shown me new musical styles, as well as, talked me through several writer's blocks. I count Brad Palmer, my brother Pat, Rob Perry, Dave Pace, and Mike Ford, not only as friends, but as my life's biggest musical influences.
My pop artists? Yeah, I have those, as well. They include Jude Cole, The Outfield, and, of course, Howard the Jones.
I always have, and continue to write my music based on my life and all of my friend's lives. My music and lyrics are true to life hoping to offer inspiration,advice, and hope to all that hear them.
Really hope you enjoy this sight.
Steve Jenkins
Story:
Rob Perry and I had helped a friend move into his penthouse apartment...and there was no elevator...just stairs. Not to mention, it was the hottest day of the year, I'm sure. That night, the moving crew was sitting around my friend's apartment completely exhausted. Rob, who never traveled without his accoustic, started to play this little melody he had come up with a few days earlier. About five minutes later, he and I gave birth to "Call" although, at the time it was entitled "Call Your Name". We debuted the song to the crowd of seven tired movers. After it got the approval from this crew of lethargic laborers, we figured we had a hit on our hand. Several years later this live version of the song (recorded at Uncle George's Restaurant in Bel Air, MD) has finally made it to the net for your listening pleasure. Enjoy it.
Steve Jenkins
